hearty

[hahr-tee]

adjective

heartier, heartiest 

1. warm-hearted; affectionate; cordial; jovial.

   a hearty welcome.

2. genuine; sincere; heartfelt.

   hearty approval; hearty dislike.

3. completely devoted; wholehearted.

   hearty support.

4. exuberant; unrestrained.

   hearty laughter.

5. violent; forceful.

   a hearty push; a hearty kick.

6. physically vigorous; strong and well.

   hale and hearty.

7. substantial; abundant; nourishing.

   a hearty meal.

8. enjoying or requiring abundant food.

   a hearty appetite.

9. (of soil) fertile.

noun

Archaic.

plural

hearties 

1. a brave or good fellow, especially with reference to a shipmate.

2. a sailor.

hearty

/ ˈhɑːtɪ /

adjective

1. warm and unreserved in manner or behaviour

2. vigorous and enthusiastic

   a hearty slap on the back

3. sincere and heartfelt

   hearty dislike

4. healthy and strong (esp in the phrase hale and hearty )

5. substantial and nourishing

noun

1. a comrade, esp a sailor

2. a vigorous sporting man

   a rugby hearty

Other Word Forms

• heartiness noun
• overheartiness noun
• overhearty adjective
• quasi-hearty adjective
• superheartiness noun
• superhearty adjective
• unhearty adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, hearty is from the Middle English word herti. See heart, -y ¹

Idioms and Phrases

see hale and hearty.

Example Sentences

Like tuna casseroles and they’re very into hearty, grandma type food.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Don’t miss some returning favorites, such as the barbacoa tamal de res, in which the beef is pleasantly tender, or the braised pork belly adobo, one of the heartier dishes at the festival.

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“In that case, have a hearty breakfast brought to my room. A bowl of hot porridge would hit the spot, with a spoonful of jam—why, what is that in your hand?”

Read more on Literature

Indeed, she had had an unusually hearty appetite at dinner and had eaten two helpings of everything, including dessert.

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Garten’s Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts are a quick yet hearty side dish that can be made just hours before serving.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• cheery 
• cordial 
• ebullient 
• exuberant 
• generous 
• genial 
• genuine 
• heartfelt 
• passionate 
• sincere 
• warm