'downhearted' originates from the combination of 'down' and 'heart,' where 'down' meant 'lower in position' and 'heart' referred to the emotional center.

'downhearted' evolved from the Middle English word 'dounherte,' which combined 'doun' (down) and 'herte' (heart), eventually becoming the modern English word 'downhearted'.

Initially, it meant 'having a heart that is low or depressed,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.