heart
heart — noun
1. the organ inside your chest that pumps blood through your body, keeping you aliv
the organ inside your chest that pumps blood through your body, keeping you alive.
Tanvi's heart was beating fast after she ran up the stairs.
collocation: heart beats fast / heart pounds
The doctor listened to Christopher's heart with a stethoscope.
collocation: listen to someone's heart
A healthy heart pumps about five litres of blood every minute.
Jiwoo felt her heart pounding as she waited for the test results.
collocation: heart pounds / heart races
Exercise like swimming or walking can strengthen your heart over time.
- heart beats/pounds/races
- heart attack
- heart disease
- heart rate
- bypass surgery
- heart transplant
- heart condition
Usage Note
Often used with verbs describing physical sensation: 'beat', 'pound', 'race', 'thump'. Can also describe heart-related medical conditions like 'heart attack' or 'heart disease'.
Common Mistakes
2. a person's emotional nature, especially the capacity for love, kindness, or symp
a person's emotional nature, especially the capacity for love, kindness, or sympathy — for example, having a warm heart means you care about other people.
Eli has a kind heart and always helps neighbours carry their groceries.
collocation: kind heart / good heart
The old teacher touched the hearts of everyone who knew her.
collocation: touch someone's heart
Layla spoke from the heart about her childhood in a small village.
idiom: from the heart (sincerely)
A good leader rules with both the head and the heart.
Andrew knew in his heart that the decision was the right one.
phrase: in one's heart (in one's true feelings)
- kind/good/warm heart
- break someone's heart
- touch someone's heart
- from the heart
- in one's heart
- at heart
- heart of gold
- soul
more spiritual, refers to the immaterial essence of a person rather than just emotion
- nature
broader term covering temperament and behaviour, not just emotions
- compassion
focuses specifically on sympathy for others' suffering
Usage Note
Frequently found in fixed phrases like 'at heart', 'in one's heart of hearts', 'from the bottom of one's heart'. Often contrasted with 'head' (logic/reason vs emotion).
Common Mistakes
3. the most central or essential part of a place, system, problem, or idea.
the most central or essential part of a place, system, problem, or idea.
The old market is at the very heart of the city.
preposition: at the heart of
Trust is the heart of any strong friendship.
The team's proposal got right to the heart of the problem.
phrase: get to the heart of (a problem/issue)
Camila found a small café in the heart of the old town.
At its heart, the debate is about fairness, not money.
phrase: at its heart (fundamentally)
- at the heart of
- heart of the city/town
- heart of the matter/problem
- heart of the forest
Usage Note
Almost always followed by 'of' + noun phrase. Common in both spatial contexts ('heart of the forest') and abstract contexts ('heart of the matter'). Not used for the literal centre of a geometric shape.
Common Mistakes
4. the firm inner section of leafy vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, or artichoke,
the firm inner section of leafy vegetables like cabbage, lettuce, or artichoke, where the leaves are packed tightly together.
Cut the cabbage in half and remove the hard white heart before slicing.
collocation: remove/cut out the heart
The heart of a romaine lettuce is tender and slightly sweet.
Padma sliced the artichoke until she reached the soft, edible heart.
The recipe says to keep the hearts of the baby bok choy whole.
- cabbage heart
- lettuce heart
- artichoke heart
- heart of palm
- remove the heart
- tender heart
- core
more general term; 'core' is used for fruits while 'heart' is for leafy vegetables
Usage Note
Distinct from 'core' (used for fruits like apples). 'Heart' specifically refers to the inner leaves or bud of leafy vegetables. Hearts of palm are a separate culinary ingredient from a different plant part.
Common Mistakes
5. courage, determination, or emotional strength, especially when you continue desp
courage, determination, or emotional strength, especially when you continue despite fear or difficulty.
The team lost the game but they played with a lot of heart.
collocation: play with heart / fight with heart
It took a lot of heart for Tendai to speak in front of that crowd.
collocation: take a lot of heart (to do something)
The climbers lost heart when the weather turned against them.
phrase: lose heart (stop feeling hopeful)
Quinn took heart from the encouraging words of the older coach.
phrase: take heart from (be encouraged by)
The protesters showed great heart by continuing their march in the rain.
- have heart
- lose heart
- take heart
- with heart
- show heart
- full of heart
- courage
more direct and common; 'heart' adds emotional warmth that 'courage' lacks
- determination
focuses on persistence rather than emotional strength
- spirit
overlaps with heart but also suggests enthusiasm and energy
- cowardice
lack of courage, opposite of having heart in the face of difficulty
Usage Note
Not used simply to mean 'bravery' in everyday speech. Typically appears in set phrases: 'take heart', 'lose heart', 'have the heart to (do something)'. Often in sports contexts describing effort beyond skill.
Common Mistakes
6. a design with two rounded lobes on top coming together at a pointed tip below, w
a design with two rounded lobes on top coming together at a pointed tip below, widely recognised as standing for romantic attachment or fondness.
Élise drew a small red heart on the card for her mother.
collocation: draw a heart
The chocolate box was decorated with pink hearts all over it.
Anong wore a silver necklace with a tiny heart pendant.
collocation: heart pendant / heart-shaped necklace
The children cut out paper hearts and hung them on the classroom wall.
- red heart
- heart shape
- heart pendant
- heart emoji
- draw a heart
- heart-shaped
Usage Note
Very common in Valentine's Day decorations, emoji (❤️), and jewellery. The symbol is distinct from the anatomical heart shape.
7. in a standard deck of playing cards, the suit identified by red heart symbols, t
in a standard deck of playing cards, the suit identified by red heart symbols, typically ranking above clubs and diamonds in many games.
Jiwoo played the queen of hearts and won the trick.
phrase: [rank] of hearts
In the card game, hearts is considered the highest suit.
Christopher held three hearts and needed one more for a flush.
The hearts suit uses a red colour that matches the diamonds.
Usage Note
Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. The suit name can be used as uncountable ('hearts is trumps') or plural ('I have four hearts'). Often capitalised on scoreboards and in card-game rules.
8. a playing card belonging to the hearts suit, bearing red heart symbols printed o
a playing card belonging to the hearts suit, bearing red heart symbols printed on its face.
Tanvi had only two cards left in her hand — a seven and a heart.
A heart is the card you need to complete the winning hand.
The dealer slid a single heart across the table to Andrew.
Each player must follow suit and play a heart if they have one.
phrase: follow suit / play a heart
- play a heart
- a heart card
- discard a heart
- lead a heart
Usage Note
This sense overlaps with sense 7 but refers to the physical card itself rather than the abstract suit. A 'heart' (sense 8) is a card from the 'hearts' suit (sense 7).
Heart River
idioma river in southwestern North Dakota, USA, that flows approximately 320 kilometres east into the Missouri River near the city of Bismarck.
The Heart River valley is known for its wildlife and hiking trails.
Camping along the Heart River is popular among visitors to North Dakota.
When you are away from someone you love, you feel even more love for them.
Mia missed her boyfriend during the trip, but absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Does absence really make the heart grow fonder, or just more forgetful?
at heart
idiomUsed to describe someone's true character, even if they seem different on the outside.
He seems strict, but he is a kind person at heart.
Is she really a romantic at heart, despite her practical nature?
If something is etched on your heart or memory, you remember it because it made a strong impression.
The image of her smile is etched on my heart forever.
That tragic event is etched on the minds of all who witnessed it.
To make someone very sad, especially by ending a romantic relationship.
When she left him, she broke his heart completely.
It breaks my heart to see you so unhappy.
by heart
idiomFrom memory, without looking at notes or a book.
The students learned the poem by heart for the recitation.
Can you recite the alphabet by heart?
a change of heart
idiomWhen someone changes their attitude or decision, usually becoming more friendly or helpful.
He was against the plan, but then he had a change of heart.
After hearing her story, I had a change of heart and agreed to help.
Something that is very important and emotionally significant to someone.
The charity for homeless animals is very close to her heart.
Education reform is a cause near to the mayor's heart.
Used to emphasize that you are telling the truth or will keep a promise.
I didn't take your book, cross my heart.
Cross my heart, I'll be there on time tomorrow.
eat your heart out!
idiomUsed to say that someone or something is better than another, often in a joking way.
Look at my new car! Eat your heart out, Tom.
She sings so well—eat your heart out, pop stars!
To be able or willing to do something, especially something kind or forgiving.
Can you find it in your heart to forgive him?
She couldn't find it in herself to lie to her parents.
In a very sincere and genuine way.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help.
He spoke from the heart when he apologized.
To make someone feel more positive and hopeful, especially after a setback.
The good news gave the team fresh heart for the final match.
Her encouragement gave me heart to continue my studies.
To fall in love with someone and give them all your love.
She gave her heart to a man who didn't deserve it.
Have you ever given your heart to someone completely?
have a heart!
idiomUsed to ask someone to be kind or reasonable, especially when they are being strict.
Have a heart! I've been working all day without a break.
Have a heart and let me borrow your car just this once.
have a heart of gold
idiomTo be a very kind and generous person.
My grandmother has a heart of gold; she helps everyone.
Despite his tough look, he has a heart of gold.
To be a person who shows no sympathy or kindness to others.
The villain in the movie had a heart of stone.
How can you ignore their suffering? Do you have a heart of stone?
To genuinely want someone to be happy and successful, even if your actions seem otherwise.
The coach had the players' interests at heart when he pushed them hard.
I know you're angry, but I have your best interests at heart.
To be very dear and loved by someone.
My first teacher will always hold a special place in my heart.
That old dog still has a place in her heart.
heart and soul
idiomWith a lot of energy, enthusiasm, and complete dedication.
She threw herself heart and soul into the charity project.
He loves his job heart and soul.
Used ironically to say that you do not feel sympathy for someone.
You have to work late? My heart bleeds for you.
Oh, you missed the party? My heart bleeds.
Used to express that you feel a lot of sympathy for someone who is suffering.
Our hearts go out to the families of the victims.
My heart goes out to all those affected by the earthquake.
Someone feels very nervous or frightened about something.
My heart was in my mouth as I waited for the test results.
Her heart was in her mouth when she saw the car approaching.
Someone's intentions are kind and sincere, even if they make mistakes.
He may be clumsy, but his heart is in the right place.
Her heart is in the right place; she just needs more experience.
You are not interested or enthusiastic about something.
His heart isn't in his studies anymore.
My heart is not in this project; I'd rather work on something else.
Someone suddenly feels very happy or excited.
My heart leaped when I saw her at the airport.
Her heart leaped with joy at the good news.
Someone has a sudden feeling of fear, excitement, or surprise.
My heart skipped a beat when I heard the strange noise.
Her heart missed a beat as she opened the letter.
Someone suddenly feels sad or disappointed about something.
My heart sank when I saw the long queue.
His heart sank as he realized he had lost his wallet.
Your home is the place where the people you love are, not necessarily a building.
Even though we move often, home is where the heart is.
She feels that home is where the heart is, so she carries her family photos.
in good heart
idiomFeeling happy and cheerful.
After the good news, everyone was in good heart.
The team is in good heart despite the recent loss.
If you know something in your heart, you have a strong feeling that it is true, even if you don't admit it.
In her heart of hearts, she knew she had made the right decision.
He knew in his heart that he would never see her again.
It makes someone feel happy when they see or hear something.
It does my heart good to see the children playing together.
It does her heart good to hear from old friends.
To act based on emotions rather than logical thinking.
Don't let your heart rule your head when making important decisions.
She let her heart rule her head and married him despite the risks.
lose heart
idiomTo stop hoping or trying because you no longer feel confident.
After many failures, he began to lose heart.
Don't lose heart; you will succeed eventually.
To fall in love with someone or something.
She lost her heart to the charming stranger.
He lost his heart to the little cottage by the sea.
A person who likes the same things or has the same opinions as you.
Tom is a man after my own heart; he loves hiking too.
She's a woman after your own heart—she adores classic movies.
To be unable to do something because it would make someone sad or upset.
I didn't have the heart to tell her the bad news.
He couldn't have the heart to fire the loyal employee.
off by heart
idiomFrom memory, without looking at notes or a book.
The actor knew his lines off by heart.
She can recite the entire poem off by heart.
Because you are kind and not expecting anything in return.
He helped me out of the goodness of his heart, not for money.
Did she volunteer out of the goodness of her heart?
To tell someone all your private feelings and problems.
She poured out her heart to her best friend after the breakup.
He opened his heart to the therapist about his fears.
To want something very much and be determined to get it.
She has her heart set on becoming a doctor.
He set his heart on winning the championship.
sick at heart
idiomFeeling very unhappy or disappointed.
He was sick at heart when he heard the news.
She felt sick at heart after failing the exam.
sob your heart out
idiomTo cry very hard and for a long time because you are very sad.
After the movie, she sobbed her heart out.
He sobbed his heart out when his dog died.
To make someone fall in love with you.
The charming musician stole her heart with his songs.
The little puppy stole everyone's heart.
To make someone feel very afraid.
The sudden noise struck fear into her heart.
The dark forest struck terror into the hearts of the children.
To feel more positive and hopeful about something, especially after a setback.
The team took heart from their coach's encouraging words.
She took heart from the fact that she had improved.
To be very upset or affected by something someone says or does.
Don't take his criticism to heart; he means well.
She took the rejection to heart and cried for days.
To cause someone great emotional pain.
The sad story tore at my heart.
Seeing her suffer tears my heart out.
To destroy the most important part of something.
The new law ripped the heart out of the community.
Closing the school tore the heart out of the town.
As much as you want; without any limit.
The children played in the park to their heart's content.
You can read books to your heart's content in the library.
To make someone feel happy and warm inside.
The kind gesture warmed the cockles of her heart.
Seeing the reunion warmed the cockles of my heart.
The best way to make someone like or love you.
The way to his heart is through his stomach.
She discovered that the way to her boss's heart is hard work.
To show your emotions openly rather than hiding them.
He wears his heart on his sleeve; you always know how he feels.
She doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve; she keeps her feelings private.
If you don't know about something bad, it won't upset you.
He didn't tell her about the mistake; what the eye doesn't see...
What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over, so I won't ask.
win somebody’s heart
idiomTo make someone fall in love with you.
He won her heart with his thoughtful gifts.
The singer won the hearts of the audience with her performance.
Completely and sincerely.
I believe with all my heart that she is innocent.
He loved her with his whole heart.
young at heart
idiomThinking and behaving like a young person even when you are old.
My grandfather is 80 but he's still young at heart.
She is young at heart and loves to try new things.
heart — verb
1. to feel strong liking or affection for a person, activity, or thing, expressing
to feel strong liking or affection for a person, activity, or thing, expressing wholehearted enthusiasm in an informal way.
Quinn hearts this café — the coffee is the best in town.
informal: used as a verb in casual speech/writing
The children heart their new teacher because she makes every lesson fun.
Eli hearts hiking in the mountains more than any other activity.
pattern: heart + -ing form
Layla's grandmother hearts the old songs she grew up listening to.
- heart + noun phrase
- heart + -ing
- hate
the direct opposite of enthusiastic like/love
Grammar Patterns
heart + noun phrase
heart + -ing verb
Usage Note
Highly informal — common in social media, casual texting, and merchandise slogans ('I heart NY'). Rare in formal writing. As a verb, 'heart' is much less frequent than 'love' or 'like' and carries a playful or youthful tone.
Common Mistakes
2. to show approval or appreciation for an online post, photo, or comment by clicki
to show approval or appreciation for an online post, photo, or comment by clicking a heart-shaped button on social media platforms.
Jiwoo hearted Camila's wedding photo within seconds of it being posted.
pattern: heart + noun phrase (social media content)
Over a thousand users hearted the post about the rescue of the lost dog.
Padma always hearts her friend's travel photos on Instagram.
Andrew scrolled through the feed and hearted every post about the fundraiser.
- heart a post
- heart a photo
- heart a comment
- hearted by many
- like
more general term for social media approval regardless of icon shape
Grammar Patterns
heart + noun phrase (online content)
Usage Note
Platform-specific: Twitter/X uses 'like' (heart icon), Instagram uses 'heart' (the verb is 'to like', though the icon is a heart). The verb 'heart' for social-media actions is still emerging and varies by platform terminology. On some platforms users say 'I hearted it' while on others they say 'I liked it' regardless of the icon shape.
Common Mistakes
Word family
- heartenverbC1
- hearteningadjectiveB2
- heartlessadjectiveB2
- heartlesslyadverbC1
- heartfeltadjectiveB2
- heartyadjectiveB1
- heartilyadverbB2
- heartinessnounC1
- heart-shapedadjectiveA2
- heartburnnounB2
- heartachenounB2
- heartbreaknounB2
- heartbreakingadjectiveB2
- heartbrokenadjectiveB2
- sweetheartnounB1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/2
These five words all refer to the inner qualities of a person, but they differ in emphasis. 'Heart' (noun/2) centres on the capacity for emotion, especially love, kindness, and sympathy — when you say someone 'has a good heart,' you mean they are caring and generous by nature. 'Soul' goes deeper into the spiritual or eternal essence of a person; it suggests something more profound and less tied to daily emotions. 'Spirit' can overlap with both but adds energy and liveliness — a 'generous spirit' is about attitude and behaviour rather than feeling. 'Mind' stands in contrast to 'heart': it represents intellect, reason, and thought ('a brilliant mind'), while 'heart' represents emotion. 'Nature' is the broadest term, covering a person's entire character and disposition without singling out emotion. In practice: 'She has a kind heart' focuses on her warm feelings; 'She has a kind soul' suggests this kindness is a deep, defining quality; 'She has a kind spirit' highlights her upbeat, generous attitude.
Common collocations
Nouns
- heart attack
- heart disease
- heart rate
- heart surgery
- heart condition
- heart transplant
- heart failure
Phrases
- heart and soul
- change of heart
- heavy heart
- light heart
- heart of gold
- heart of stone
- cross my heart
Etymology
The word 'heart' comes from Old English 'heorte', which can be traced back through Proto-Germanic '*hertô' to the Proto-Indo-European root '*ḱérd', meaning 'heart'. This ancient root appears in many languages: Latin 'cor' (giving us 'cordial' and 'courage'), Greek 'kardia' (giving us 'cardiac'), and Sanskrit 'hṛdaya'. The emotional meanings — referring to love, courage, and character — developed very early in Old English and have remained central to the word's use for over a thousand years. The card suit sense appeared in the 16th century when playing cards became popular in Europe. The heart shape as a love symbol also dates to medieval times. The modern verb sense of 'liking' something online emerged in the 2010s with social media platforms that used a heart icon for approval.