heavy-hearted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heavy-hearted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of deep sadness or sorrow. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she felt heavy-hearted and struggled to find the right words to say."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She has been feeling heavy-hearted.

The New Yorker

He releases a heavy-hearted raspberry.

The Guardian - Film

"For her this is a heavy-hearted moment," he adds.

Independent

I feel heavy-hearted just like the weather".

The New York Times

Atmosphere is injected into the paintings, but it's a thick air, as if heavy-hearted.

The New York Times - Arts

Then the whistling began, as heavy-hearted as it was necessary.

The Guardian - Sport

Until his death in 2012 Hobsbawm continued to extend his heavy-hearted approval to atrocities.

The Guardian

He is heavy-hearted as he ticks off his debts in a defeated voice.

The New York Times - Food

He seemed heavy-hearted in acknowledging that justice and the law often part ways.

The New York Times

As self-consciously up to date as the hit comedy show "Modern Family," it is considerably more heavy-hearted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Heavy hearted, I asked family and friends if anyone was interested in taking Kitty, but it felt like giving away a child.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "heavy-hearted" to describe a state of prolonged sadness or melancholy, especially when reflecting on a specific event or situation. Avoid using it for fleeting moments of unhappiness.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy-hearted" in situations that are only mildly disappointing or sad. Its strength lies in conveying significant emotional weight, so save it for moments of genuine sorrow or grief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy-hearted" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of sadness or melancholy. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes the emotional state of individuals or atmospheres.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Music

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy-hearted" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe a state of sadness or sorrow. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "sorrowful" or "melancholy" exist, "heavy-hearted" provides a specific nuance that conveys a prolonged state of sadness, rather than a fleeting moment of unhappiness. Therefore, it is appropriate to use "heavy-hearted" when you want to communicate a deep and lasting sense of sorrow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sorrowful

A more formal and direct synonym for "heavy-hearted".

melancholy

Emphasizes a reflective and pensive sadness rather than a sharp emotional pain.

downcast

Focuses on the physical manifestation of sadness, like a lowered gaze or posture.

dejected

Suggests a feeling of hopelessness or discouragement.

crestfallen

Describes disappointment, often after a failed attempt or unmet expectation.

heartbroken

Indicates a deep and intense emotional pain, often due to loss or betrayal.

grief-stricken

Implies a profound sorrow, usually as a result of bereavement.

woebegone

Suggests a visible and prolonged state of sadness.

mournful

Conveys sadness associated with mourning or remembrance.

saddened

A more neutral and general term for feeling sad.

FAQs

How can I use "heavy-hearted" in a sentence?

You can use "heavy-hearted" to describe a feeling of sadness or sorrow, such as: "After the funeral, she felt "heavy-hearted" and reflective." It's best used for expressing significant emotional weight.

What words can I use instead of "heavy-hearted"?

Alternatives to "heavy-hearted" include "sorrowful", "melancholy", or "downcast", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "heavy-hearted" in formal writing?

Yes, "heavy-hearted" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing emotional states in literature, news reports, or reflective essays. While it is more descriptive than technical, its usage is grammatically sound and widely understood.

What is the difference between "heavy-hearted" and "heartbroken"?

"Heavy-hearted" suggests a general feeling of sadness or sorrow, while "heartbroken" implies a more acute and intense emotional pain, often due to loss or betrayal. "Heavy-hearted" can describe a broader sense of grief or melancholy.