Word of the Day: Hefty
What's the story
"Hefty" (adjective) describes something large, heavy, or strong, either in size, weight, or impact. It's used when talking about objects that are solid and weighty or amounts that are big and impressive. A "hefty" thing stands out because of its strength, size, or importance.
Origin
Origin of the word
The word "hefty" first appeared in American English in the mid-19th century. It's believed to come from the word heft, meaning "weight" or "to lift," which describes something that feels substantial. Over time, "hefty" began to describe not just physical weight, but also intensity or importance, like a hefty price or hefty responsibility.
Synonyms
Synonyms for 'hefty'
Words often used instead of "hefty" include heavy, large, solid, massive, weighty, substantial, and strong. These all express size, strength, or importance in different ways.
Usage
Sentence usage
Here's how "hefty" can appear in different contexts: "He carried a 'hefty' box up the stairs with ease." "They had to pay a 'hefty' fine for breaking the rules." "The project required a 'hefty' amount of investment."
Writing
Why use the word
The word "hefty" is useful when you want to describe something big, strong, or powerful. It adds weight, both literally and figuratively, to your writing. It's perfect for emphasizing size, effort, cost, or impact in a vivid way.