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

"Amy was bubbly, caring and honest," he said, adding she was "soft hearted and the life and soul".

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

"When we were all talking during the broadcast, Domhnall made a light hearted joke about wanting to be in one of my music videos," she recalled.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 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 have something to talk about now, Henrietta Lacks what went out of control, how my mother went through all that pain all by her self with those cold hearted doctor.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot