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halfheartedshowing little enthusiasm, effort, or interest; lacking commitment or determination

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: showing little enthusiasm, effort, or interest; lacking commitment or determination

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌhæfˈhɑːrtɪd/

Example Sentences

  • She gave a halfhearted wave goodbye, clearly upset about leaving the party early.
  • My cat's halfhearted attempt to catch the laser dot was more like a gentle paw tap than a pounce.
  • The politician's halfhearted promise to reduce taxes convinced nobody during the debate.

halfhearted

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌhæfˈhɑːrtɪd/]

showing little enthusiasm, effort, or interest; lacking commitment or determination

a teenage basketball player slowly dribbles the ball with slouched shoulders and a bored expression. He barely lifts his feet while moving and holds the ball loosely in one hand. The coach points energetically at the basket, trying to motivate the player to shoot. The player responds with a weak, underhanded toss that falls far short of the hoop. Other teammates on the bench shake their heads in frustration at his poor effort. The coach throws his hands up in exasperation at the lazy attempt.  someone performing with little enthusiasm, effort, or commitment
💡 Concept

a teenage basketball player slowly dribbles the ball with slouched shoulders and a bored expression. He barely lifts his feet while moving and holds the ball loosely in one hand. The coach points energetically at the basket, trying to motivate the player to shoot. The player responds with a weak, underhanded toss that falls far short of the hoop. Other teammates on the bench shake their heads in frustration at his poor effort. The coach throws his hands up in exasperation at the lazy attempt. someone performing with little enthusiasm, effort, or commitment

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌhæfˈhɑːrtɪd/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌhɑːfˈhɑːtɪd/

🌳Etymology

Roothalf
Suffix-hearted

Origin

From Middle English, combining 'half' (meaning incomplete or partial) with 'hearted' (having a heart or spirit). The compound suggests putting only half of one's heart or enthusiasm into something.

Breakdown

half (incomplete/partial) + heart (spirit/enthusiasm) + -ed (having the quality of)

🎵Rhyme

wholeheartedlightheartedfainthearted
wholehearted
lighthearted
fainthearted

🔗Collocations

halfhearted attempt
halfhearted effort
halfhearted apology
halfhearted support
halfhearted smile
halfhearted response

📝Examples

She gave a halfhearted wave goodbye, clearly upset about leaving the party early.

😄 Fun example

My cat's halfhearted attempt to catch the laser dot was more like a gentle paw tap than a pounce.

The politician's halfhearted promise to reduce taxes convinced nobody during the debate.

😄 Fun example

His halfhearted diet lasted exactly three hours before he devoured a entire pizza.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

lukewarmunenthusiasticperfunctorylacklusterapathetic

Antonyms

wholeheartedenthusiasticcommitted

Related

indifferentreluctanthesitantpassive

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