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.
NBC4 and Telemundo 52, another outlet using the helicopter, offered "heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives."
From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
Before that, though, came a heartfelt speech by Sally Field, Parton’s co-star in “Steel Magnolias.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
“It is with very mixed emotions and heartfelt gratitude that I announce my retirement,” Bunch said in a statement.
From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026
“I’m only telling you for the book, you understand. Ain’t nobody sharing no heartfelt secrets here.”
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
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.
