hearty
Americanadjective
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warm-hearted; affectionate; cordial; jovial.
a hearty welcome.
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genuine; sincere; heartfelt.
hearty approval; hearty dislike.
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completely devoted; wholehearted.
hearty support.
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exuberant; unrestrained.
hearty laughter.
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violent; forceful.
a hearty push; a hearty kick.
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physically vigorous; strong and well.
hale and hearty.
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substantial; abundant; nourishing.
a hearty meal.
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enjoying or requiring abundant food.
a hearty appetite.
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(of soil) fertile.
noun
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a brave or good fellow, especially with reference to a shipmate.
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a sailor.
adjective
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warm and unreserved in manner or behaviour
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vigorous and enthusiastic
a hearty slap on the back
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sincere and heartfelt
hearty dislike
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healthy and strong (esp in the phrase hale and hearty )
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substantial and nourishing
noun
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a comrade, esp a sailor
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a vigorous sporting man
a rugby hearty
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of hearty
First recorded in 1350–1400, hearty is from the Middle English word herti. See heart, -y 1
Explanation
Hearty describes abundant, full, and satisfying things, and lively, strong, and enthusiastic people. A bowl of thick chili with cheese and a glass of milk is hearty. A spoon of water with a grape? Not so hearty. You can't miss the "heart" in hearty. Words like "wholehearted" and "half-hearted" also have "heart" and are a help in remembering the adjective hearty. If you put your whole heart into anything from walking a dog to saying good morning to your friends, you're hearty and full of life. Something half-hearted is weak and not hearty. A loud laugh that fills a room is very hearty; you can almost feel its fullness. If it comes from the heart and adds well-being and happiness, it's probably hearty.
Vocabulary lists containing hearty
The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 5
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The New SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words
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100 Great Words from "Fahrenheit 451" -- Part I Vocabulary
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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.
A hale and hearty speed signifies that your body’s systems—including your heart, lungs, muscles and nervous system—are working well together.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026
Top them on warm, buttered toast for a hearty breakfast or on pizza for a kick of umami.
From Salon • May 1, 2026
Others ventured into the sort of heartland rock that'll earn him a hearty man-hug from Bruce Springsteen.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
It’s a match made in heaven — simple yet hearty and fulfilling.
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026
I get a plate of a thick, hearty stew and a slice of bread from the woman at the window.
From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland
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.
