Definition of Heavy
The word heavy is an adjective that generally describes something of great weight, density, intensity, or severity. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a strong emotional, financial, or intellectual burden.
Common Meanings of Heavy:
- Of great weight (e.g., “This box is too heavy to lift.”)
- Difficult to bear (e.g., “The news was heavy on my heart.”)
- Intense or severe (e.g., “Heavy rain caused flooding in the area.”)
- Deep or profound (e.g., “He had some heavy thoughts about life.”)
- Substantial in amount (e.g., “The company faced heavy losses this quarter.”)
- Thick or dense (e.g., “The fog was heavy this morning.”)
Synonyms for Heavy
Strongest Matches (Exact or Near-Exact Meaning)
- Weighty
- Massive
- Bulky
- Dense
- Overweight
- Hefty
- Portly
- Cumbersome
- Ponderous
Strong Matches (Close in Meaning)
- Burdened
- Excessive
- Grave
- Severe
- Thick
- Substantial
- Profound
- Hard
Weak Matches (Loosely Related in Meaning)
- Solid
- Serious
- Intense
- Large
- Mighty
- Powerful
- Deep
- Tough
- Clunky
Example Sentences
- The heavy suitcase made it difficult for him to walk up the stairs.
- She let out a heavy sigh after hearing the unfortunate news.
- There was heavy snowfall throughout the night.
- The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy with tension.
- A heavy workload can lead to stress and exhaustion.
Contextual Usage
Physical Weight
- Used to describe objects that are difficult to carry: “The heavy bag required two people to lift.”
- Used in sports: “A heavyweight champion dominates the boxing ring.”
Emotional or Mental Weight
- To describe deep emotions: “He carried a heavy heart after losing his best friend.”
- In literature or film: “The drama had a heavy storyline with serious themes.”
Atmospheric or Environmental Conditions
- Weather: “A heavy storm is expected tomorrow.”
- Traffic: “There was heavy congestion during rush hour.”
Work and Responsibility
- Employment: “The CEO has a heavy responsibility to ensure the company’s success.”
- Academia: “The coursework was heavy, requiring long hours of study.”
Related Words and Terms
- Heaviness (noun) – The state of being heavy
- Heavy-handed (adjective) – Overly forceful or harsh
- Heft (noun/verb) – The weight or to lift something heavy
- Burden (noun/verb) – A weight or something difficult to carry
- Dense (adjective) – Closely packed together; can refer to weight or material thickness
Additional Information
Origin of Heavy
The word heavy originates from Old English “hefig,” meaning “weighty, oppressive,” which traces back to Proto-Germanic roots.
Fun Fact
In music, heavy metal is a genre characterized by loud, distorted guitars and intense drumming, symbolizing “heavy” sound.
Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. Synonyms and related words may have nuanced meanings based on context. Always consider context before substituting words in writing or speech.
