hard-heartedness
|hard/heart/ed/ness|
🇺🇸
/ˌhɑrdˈhɑrtɪdnəs/
🇬🇧
/ˌhɑːdˈhɑːtɪdnəs/
(hard-hearted)
lack of compassion
Etymology
'hard-heartedness' originates from the combination of 'hard' and 'hearted,' where 'hard' meant 'firm or unyielding' and 'hearted' referred to 'the seat of emotions.'
'hard-hearted' evolved from Middle English 'hard herted,' which eventually became the modern English word 'hard-hearted.'
Initially, it meant 'having a firm or unyielding heart,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking compassion or sympathy.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or state of being unfeeling, unsympathetic, or lacking compassion.
His hard-heartedness was evident when he refused to help the homeless man.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42