heartfelt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "heartfelt" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the intensity of a certain feeling or emotion. For example, "She had a heartfelt desire to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Universally heartfelt tributes flooded in from politicians on Twitter this morning.

The Guardian

It wasn't much of a commercial hit, but I was amazed at the amount of heartfelt responses from young readers, whose taste for tragedy, it turned out, was at least equal to their need for the more conventional, optimistic "heartening" narratives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Earlier, defence lawyer Sallie Bennett-Jenkins QC said Medvedevas had shown "heartfelt" remorse for what he had done to his own daughter.

The Guardian

With guitars, pianos and the odd horn, the tunes are gloriously breezy, heartfelt affairs but pack a crafty left hook in a velvet glove.

The Guardian - Music

But for a prince who is said by allies to be planning to continue his "heartfelt interventions" in public life when he finally becomes king, there are now indications of the areas in which those interventions will concentrate – and the manner in which they will be conducted.

The Guardian

"In a heartfelt intervention just 48 hours before polling day, the former Conservative leader urges those considering voting Ukip not to jeopardise a decades-long campaign he has waged to change Britain's relationship with Brussels".

The Guardian

Rusty's bewilderment and confusion is so vivid in this heartfelt book.

The Guardian

Underpinning all these "problems" is a tender and heartfelt love story between the two protagonists, Tar and Gemma.

The Guardian

After the heartfelt farewells to Alan Rusbridger comes an equally heartfelt tip of the cap to Roger Alton, once features supremo at the Guardian, then editor of this paper, then editor of the Independent and lately executive editor of the Times.

The Guardian

Britain's political leaders found rare common ground as they joined forces to pay heartfelt tributes to Charles Kennedy after his sudden death at the age of 55.

The Guardian

Sometimes the squabble is heartfelt on one side or on both.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heartfelt" to convey genuine and deep emotion, especially in contexts like expressing sympathy, gratitude, or apologies. It adds a layer of sincerity that other adjectives might lack.

Common error

Avoid using "heartfelt" in situations where the emotion is clearly superficial or routine. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound insincere. Choose a more appropriate adjective when the feeling is less profound.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "heartfelt" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe emotions or expressions that are deeply felt and sincere. Ludwig examples show its consistent use to qualify nouns like "tributes", "responses", and "remorse".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "heartfelt" is used to describe genuine and deeply felt emotions or expressions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources demonstrating its frequent use, particularly in news and media. Alternatives include "sincere", "genuine", and "earnest", each offering slightly different nuances. When using "heartfelt", ensure the context warrants such a strong adjective and avoid overuse in superficial situations. Its neutral formality makes it suitable for a variety of writing styles, emphasizing its versatility and reliability in conveying authentic emotion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincere

Emphasizes genuineness and honesty in feeling or expression.

genuine

Highlights authenticity and lack of pretense in emotion.

earnest

Suggests a serious and intense feeling or intention.

profound

Indicates a deep and significant emotional experience.

deep-seated

Implies that the emotion is firmly established and deeply felt.

passionate

Focuses on intense enthusiasm or desire.

wholehearted

Emphasizes complete sincerity and commitment.

fervent

Suggests great intensity of feeling and zeal.

cordial

Highlights warmth and friendliness in expression.

warm

Focuses on kindness and affection in feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "heartfelt" in a sentence?

You can use "heartfelt" to describe sincere emotions or expressions, such as "She offered a heartfelt apology" or "He expressed his heartfelt gratitude".

What are some alternatives to using "heartfelt"?

Alternatives include "sincere", "genuine", "earnest", and "profound", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "heartfelt" in formal writing?

Yes, "heartfelt" is suitable for formal writing when expressing genuine and deep emotions or sentiments. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong adjective.

What's the difference between "heartfelt" and "hearty"?

"Heartfelt" describes sincere and deep emotions, while "hearty" describes enthusiastic or vigorous actions or expressions. For instance, a "heartfelt" apology conveys deep remorse, while a "hearty" laugh indicates vigorous amusement.