half-hearted — done with little effort or enthusiasm; lacking determination or commitment
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: done with little effort or enthusiasm; lacking determination or commitment
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌhæf ˈhɑːrtɪd/
Example Sentences
- His half-hearted diet lasted exactly three days before he ordered pizza.
- The team's half-hearted training resulted in a crushing defeat.
- She gave a half-hearted wave goodbye, already thinking about her phone.
half-hearted
ADJECTIVE[/ˌhæf ˈhɑːrtɪd/]
done with little effort or enthusiasm; lacking determination or commitment
His half-hearted apology made things worse, not better.
From half-hearted to wholehearted with lighthearted joy!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Half-hearted is a compound word attested from the 14th century, combining 'half' (meaning one of two equal parts) and 'heart' (meaning the seat of emotion or courage). The expression literally means 'having only half one's heart' in an endeavor, metaphorically expressing lack of full commitment or enthusiasm.
Breakdown
half- (one of two equal parts) + -hearted (possessing or showing a specified type of heart or commitment). The suffix -hearted is used to form adjectives describing one's emotional state or resolve.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“His half-hearted diet lasted exactly three days before he ordered pizza.”
“The team's half-hearted training resulted in a crushing defeat.”
“She gave a half-hearted wave goodbye, already thinking about her phone.”
“His half-hearted cleaning meant the room still looked like a tornado hit it.”
📚Related Words
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