Hearty

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈhɑɹti/

Definitions

1. Characterized by warmth, sincerity, and enthusiastic vigor, especially in greetings, laughter, or approval
2. Full of warmth and sincerity, often marked by enthusiastic energy in responses, expressions, or interactions
3. Exhibiting a strong sense of friendliness and genuine emotion, especially through lively and welcoming exchanges

Etymology: "Hearty" is simply "heart" with the adjective-forming suffix "-y" added, so its story is the story of the organ and its figurative sense. The heart, which for centuries was thought to be the seat of feeling, courage and sincerity as well as the organ that pumps blood, gave English a family of descriptive words, and "hearty" grew from that root to describe someone whose warmth comes straight from the heart. The sense of "hearty" that describes food, as in a hearty meal, grew out of the older idea of a vigorous, wholehearted person, so a hearty appetite or hearty breakfast is one eaten with a full and cheerful spirit. The word's meaning of warm and sincere, as in a hearty welcome, is the figurative sense most people use today.

Synonyms: vigorously, robust, sincere, warm, enthusiastic

Antonyms: insincere, half-hearted, weak, feeble, cold