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.
The fluid, idiosyncratic charm of “Silent Friend” — which never feels like two and a half hours — is in Enyedi’s heartfelt belief that curiosity is simply a garden that grows progress.
From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026
A spokesperson for the queen says the two discussed the former king's death in what was a "heartfelt" discussion, as well as the strengthening of their relationship.
From BBC • May 15, 2026
Cooper would certainly have found it funny that while delivering this heartfelt tribute, Lisa is wearing a truly garish bright pink ski suit.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
But in an unusual twist, the real star of the show here is McCartney’s heartfelt lyrics.
From Salon • May 12, 2026
I recognized your name as the young governess who had written to me in such a heartfelt way a year or so ago, expressing your concerns about the poor.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions 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.
