hearty definition

1. Pertaining to, or proceeding from, the heart; warm; cordial; bold; zealous; sincere; willing; also, energetic; active; eager; as, a hearty welcome; hearty in supporting the government. "Full of hearty tears For our good father's loss." (Marston)

2. Exhibiting strength; sound; healthy; firm; not weak; as, a hearty timber.

3. Promoting strength; nourishing; rich; abundant; as, hearty food; a hearty meal.

Synonyms: Sincere, real, unfeigned, undissembled, cordial, earnest, warm, zealous, ardent, eager, active, vigorous.

Hearty, Cordial, Sincere. Hearty implies honesty and simplicity of feelings and manners; cordial refers to the warmth and liveliness with which the feelings are expressed; sincere implies that this expression corresponds to the real sentiments of the heart. A man should be hearty in his attachment to his friends, cordial in his reception of them to his house, and sincere in his offers to assist them.

Origin: Heartier; Heartiest.

Comrade; boon companion; good fellow; a term of familiar address and fellowship among sailors.

(01 Mar 1998)