hearted

American  

[hahr-tid] / ˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

1. having a specified feeling, mood, personality trait, or kind of heart (now used only in combination).

   hardhearted;

   sad-hearted.

2. fixed or present in the heart.

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-hearted British  

adjective

1. having a heart or disposition as specified

   good-hearted

   cold-hearted

   great-hearted

   heavy-hearted

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Usage

What does hearted mean? Hearted is used in compound words to mean “having a specific type of personality or trait.” The word that precedes hearted indicates the type of personality or trait, as in hardhearted or warm-hearted. Hearted can also be used by itself to mean “present in the heart,” but this usage is very rare. Example: Tim’s so kindhearted that he gave his coat to a homeless man on his walk home today.

Other Word Forms

• heartedly adverb
• heartedness noun

Etymology

Origin of hearted

First recorded in 1175–1225, hearted is from the Middle English word iherted. See y-, heart, -ed ³

Example Sentences

"If you are not in a hurry to move in, you might consider restoring a ruined castle - not for the faint hearted, but achievable," said Newlands, whose own castle is in Aberdeenshire.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

“Quiet, intense, intuitive constant and hugely creative, ‘Teddy’ was a warm hearted and vital part of the Cure story,” the band said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 26, 2025

"Quiet, intensive, intuitive, constant and hugely creative, 'Teddy' was a warm hearted and vital part of The Cure story."

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

"I am obviously a bit heavy hearted as it's the game I've loved for so long and given so much to but, on reflection, I am proud and excited about the next bit as well."

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

“I’m sorry you have to go through this. But I’m sure you understand that Mrs. Murphy, generous hearted as she is, can’t take you in indefinitely. You do understand, don’t you?”

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline