noun / verb
heart
The inner capacity for strong feeling and compassion.
His generous heart moves him to help neighbors in need.
Etymology
The bodily heart has long been treated as a center of feeling. Its name therefore identifies emotional capacity and compassion as well as the physical organ.
More examples
- She knows in her heart that she belongs here.
- Even after the setback, she refuses to lose heart.
- I heart lazy Sunday mornings.
Forms
heart · hearts · hearted · hearting
heartfelt adjective — Expressing deep and sincere personal feeling.
heartless adjective — Showing no kindness or compassion for others.
Similar words
- compassion
- Specifically concern for others' suffering, rather than emotion generally.
- courage
- Focuses on facing fear or difficulty, not emotional sensitivity.