good at heart

USAGE SUMMARY

"good at heart" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would typically use this phrase to describe someone's character, implying that even though they may have done bad or questionable things in the past, they are fundamentally decent and kind. For example, you could say, "Despite his reputation, he's actually a good person at heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

This is not a movie that believes, despite everything, that people are really good at heart.

The New York Times

"I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart," Anne pleads.

The New York Times

But at Christmas, sometimes, Santa gets bummed out by the nay-sayers (even though he knows they're good at heart).

The New York Times

She has given me permission to recognize that indeed not all people are really good at heart.

The New York Times

Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.

The Guardian

Only Bobo sees that Imara is good at heart despite having the reputation of the devil itself.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

The movie's in-your-face but good-at-heart attitude owes a lot to the Hudlin brothers, especially to Reginald Hudlin's script.

The New York Times

Hugh Jackman, in the role of the good-at-heart ex-convict Jean Valjean, was inside a carriage, his arm around 10-year-old Isabelle Allen, playing the young Cosette, whom he had rescued from her cruel guardians.

The New York Times

Unlike all those movies in which the parents of the virginal girl try to save her from the good-at-heart outlaw boy, this time the girl's parents try to save the boy.

The New York Times

Blond, perfect-student Betty Cooper Lili Reinhartt) is in love with her best friend, redhead and literal boy-next-door Archie Andrews (K.J. Apa but the wealthy, ultimately good-at-heart Veronica Camilaa Mendes) might like him, too.

Vice

"Our kids have gotten really good at hearts".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "good at heart" to suggest someone possesses fundamental goodness, even if their actions sometimes suggest otherwise. It implies a core of decency beneath a potentially flawed exterior.

Common error

Avoid assuming someone is not "good at heart" based solely on isolated incidents. The phrase suggests a deep-seated quality that persists despite occasional missteps.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good at heart" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (usually a person) to describe their fundamental character. It suggests an inherent quality of kindness and decency, even if outward actions may sometimes contradict this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "good at heart" is a common and correct way to describe someone's fundamental character, suggesting an inherent quality of kindness and decency, even if outward actions may sometimes contradict this. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used and understood. It appears frequently in News & Media sources, Wiki and even in business contexts. While alternatives like "kind-hearted" or "compassionate" exist, "good at heart" offers a specific nuance: it implies a core of goodness beneath a potentially flawed exterior. Remembering this will ensure you utilize the phrase effectively and appropriately in your writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently good

Stresses that goodness is an intrinsic part of someone's nature, not just an act.

decent at heart

Focuses more on basic moral standards rather than inherent kindness.

kind-hearted

Emphasizes the inherent kindness and compassion of an individual.

benevolent

Suggests a disposition towards doing good, often with a sense of generosity and goodwill.

compassionate

Highlights the ability to empathize with others' suffering and a desire to alleviate it.

good-natured

Implies a generally pleasant and agreeable disposition.

having a good soul

Emphasizes the purity and inherent goodness of a person's inner being.

possessing a kind spirit

Highlights the gentle and caring nature of an individual's personality.

morally upright

Focuses on adherence to ethical principles and a commitment to doing what is right.

virtuous

Implies a high level of moral excellence and adherence to virtuous principles.

FAQs

How can I use "good at heart" in a sentence?

You can use "good at heart" to describe someone who is fundamentally kind and decent, even if their actions sometimes suggest otherwise. For instance, "Despite his tough exterior, he's actually "good at heart"."

What does it mean to say someone is "good at heart"?

Saying someone is "good at heart" means they possess fundamental goodness and kindness, even if they may not always show it or make mistakes. It suggests their intentions are generally positive.

What are some alternative ways to say "good at heart"?

Some alternatives to "good at heart" include "kind-hearted", "benevolent", or "compassionate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it the same to be "good at heart" and to be "a good person"?

While similar, "good at heart" implies a deeper, more intrinsic goodness, whereas "a good person" may refer more to actions and behavior. Someone "good at heart" might still make mistakes, but their intentions are generally pure.