heft

[ heft ]

noun

1. weight; heaviness:

   It was a rather flimsy chair, without much heft to it.

2. significance or importance.
3. Archaic. the bulk or main part.

verb (used with object)

1. to test the weight of by lifting and balancing:

   He hefted the spear for a few moments, and then flung it at the foe.

2. to heave; hoist.

heft

/ hɛft /

verb

1. to assess the weight of (something) by lifting
2. to lift

noun

1. weight
2. the main part

Derived Forms

• ˈhefter, noun

Other Word Forms

• hefter noun
• un·hefted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heft¹

1550–60; heave + -t, variant of -th ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of heft¹

C19: probably from heave , by analogy with thieve, theft, cleave, cleft

Example Sentences

A slice of Cheesecake Factory’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake Cheesecake — a name with the heft of the dessert itself.

From Salon

There is the migration of economic and political heft to the East.

From BBC

Scotland lack the depth and heft up front of other nations, but their athleticism, creativity and understanding in open space can slice though any team.

From BBC

For the most part, the book is written as if living alongside Oberon during her lifetime, giving emotional heft to her sometimes difficult choices.

From Los Angeles Times

In certain parts of town — downtown, Hollywood, South Park — the palms are being protected for their iconic or historical heft.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bear
• bring
• ferry
• give
• haul
• hoist
• import
• lift
• lug
• move
• pack
• remove
• take
• tote
• transfer
• transmit