heartfelt
Americanadjective
adjective
Etymology
Origin of heartfelt
Explanation
If something is heartfelt, it's sincere and warm. It's clear from your elderly neighbor's heartfelt invitation that she genuinely wants you to come over for tea and cookies. When you're profoundly grateful to your favorite teacher, you'll offer her your heartfelt thanks. And when your best friend's dog dies, you'll give him your heartfelt sympathy. Things that are heartfelt are deeply emotional, believed or felt very strongly. The word dates from the 18th century, from heart, with its Old English root heorte, "heart, spirit, or mind."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"To the sister Republic of El Salvador, which has played a vital role in our fight against crime, dear President Bukele, I send you a huge, heartfelt hug," Fernandez told reporters at the inauguration.
From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026
"I deeply regret it and offer my heartfelt apologies without reservation."
From Barron's ● Oct. 14, 2026
The company said in a statement that it was "deeply saddened by the guest incident" and that "our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the guest's family, friends, and loved ones".
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the dog’s owner and to everyone affected by this deeply troubling situation.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
“Miss Wong wished me to convey her most heartfelt apologies for not being here,” Mr. Haber concluded.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
