cold hearted

USAGE SUMMARY

"cold-hearted" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone who lacks compassion or emotions. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone's behavior or personality. Example: "Despite his charming appearance, the CEO was known for his cold-hearted approach to business decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I don't think you want them freaking out tomorrow unless you're a cold hearted meanie.

TechCrunch

You cold hearted waster!

Huffington Post

The song was "Cold Hearted Snake".

Huffington Post

Either way, this is required viewing you cold hearted jerk.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We know that evil lurks in the heart of Frank Underwood, but cold-hearted murder?

The New York Times

Does it bespeak broader cold-hearted ineptitude?

The New York Times

Charles Dance's kindly but cold-hearted judge?

Independent

How could they be so cold-hearted?

The Guardian - Opinion

Cold-hearted ethics is an oxymoron.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the S5 Cabriolet's powertrain is cold-hearted.

The New York Times

"Very cold-hearted," fumed the tenant, Ms. Pavich.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "cold hearted", ensure the context clearly supports the attribution of a lack of empathy or compassion to the subject. Overuse can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations where the insensitivity is a key characteristic.

Common error

Avoid labeling someone as "cold hearted" based on a single action or temporary emotional state. Ensure the behavior is consistent and reflects a genuine lack of empathy, rather than a momentary lapse in judgment or emotional expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold hearted" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of empathy, compassion, or warmth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to describe someone who lacks compassion or emotions. Examples show its descriptive usage in news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cold hearted" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase used as a descriptive adjective to portray a lack of empathy or compassion. Though not highly frequent, it is recognized across different types of sources, predominantly in news and media. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and its role is to depict someone devoid of feelings. Related phrases like "heartless" and "callous" offer similar meanings, but the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When using the phrase, ensure it is supported by consistent behavior and not a temporary emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartless

Refers to a lack of feeling or compassion; emphasizes the absence of a heart.

hard-hearted

Directly contrasts with kind-hearted, emphasizing the presence of a tough and unyielding nature.

unfeeling

Indicates a lack of sensitivity or emotion towards others' suffering.

callous

Suggests a hardened and insensitive attitude, often implying indifference to the pain of others.

devoid of empathy

Explicitly states the absence of the ability to understand or share the feelings of another.

unsympathetic

Highlights a lack of understanding or compassion for someone else's situation.

insensitive

Focuses on a lack of awareness or consideration for others' feelings.

merciless

Implies a complete absence of pity or forgiveness, often in a situation of power or authority.

ruthless

Emphasizes a lack of concern for the consequences of one's actions, often in pursuit of a goal.

unmoved

Indicates a lack of emotional response or empathy, suggesting a detached perspective.

FAQs

What does "cold hearted" mean?

The phrase "cold hearted" describes someone who is unfeeling, unsympathetic, and lacking in compassion or empathy for others.

How can I use "cold hearted" in a sentence?

You might say, "The villain in the story was a "cold hearted" individual who cared only about power" or "His "cold hearted" decision to lay off employees shocked the community".

What are some synonyms for "cold hearted"?

Alternatives include "heartless", "callous", "unfeeling", or "insensitive" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a fictional character as "cold hearted"?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable. Describing a fictional character as "cold hearted" is a way to establish their personality as lacking empathy. This can be effective in portraying them as villains or antagonists.