Heated
ˈhiːtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by or showing intense emotion, typically anger, excitement, or passion.
ˈhiːtɪd
Feeling or showing strong emotion, often anger or excitement.
The discussion turned heated when they disagreed about the policy.
💡 Simply: Imagine your favorite sports team just scored the winning goal! When things get heated, it means the energy and excitement (or anger!) are turned way up.
👶 For kids: When someone is heated, they're feeling very angry or excited, like when you're playing a game and you *really* want to win!
More Examples
He delivered a heated speech criticizing the government.
The crowd became heated during the protest.
How It's Used
"The debate became heated when the candidates started to criticize each other."
"They had a heated argument, but later apologized."
Made warm or hot; having been subjected to heat.
ˈhiːtɪd
Warmed or made warm.
The soup was heated before serving.
💡 Simply: Imagine you take a nice, warm bath. If the water is heated, it's warm and cozy!
👶 For kids: Heated means something is warm or hot, like when you turn on the oven!
More Examples
The house is heated by a central system.
I prefer a heated blanket on cold nights.
How It's Used
"The room was heated by a gas fireplace."
"The coffee was kept heated on the warmer."
Idioms & expressions
heated debate
A discussion characterized by strong emotions and differing opinions.
"The council meeting ended in a heated debate over the proposed budget cuts."
heated exchange
An angry or passionate conversation.
"The meeting ended with a heated exchange of words."
From Middle English *heeted*, past participle of *heten* ('to heat'), from Old English *hætan* ('to heat').
The word 'heated' has been used since the 14th century to describe something that is warm or full of emotion.
Memory tip
Think of a fire—when a fire is heated, emotions are often intense and uncontrolled.
Word Origin
"hætan (to heat)"