Heavy
/ˈhɛvi/
Definitions
4 meaningsHaving a considerable amount of weight or mass.
/ˈhɛvi/
Having great weight; difficult to lift or move.
The suitcase was heavy.
💡 Simply: Imagine trying to lift a big, full backpack. If it's hard to lift, it's heavy! Like when you have to carry a lot of toys at once.
👶 For kids: Something is heavy if it's hard to lift or carry.
More Examples
The rain was heavy last night.
The book is heavy.
How It's Used
"The box was too heavy for him to carry."
"Heavy objects are pulled downwards by gravity."
Of great significance or intensity; serious or intense.
/ˈhɛvi/
Significant; serious; intense
The consequences were heavy.
💡 Simply: Think of something super strong or a lot of something. Like, a heavy storm means lots of rain and wind.
👶 For kids: Something is heavy if it's a lot of something, like a lot of rain or a strong feeling.
More Examples
The air was heavy with tension.
He suffered a heavy loss.
How It's Used
"Heavy traffic slowed down the commute."
"She felt a heavy sadness after the loss."
Involving or characterized by a great degree or amount.
/ˈhɛvi/
Characterized by great use or abundance.
He's a heavy drinker.
💡 Simply: Using or having a lot of something. If someone uses their phone a lot, they're a heavy user!
👶 For kids: Something is heavy if it's a lot of something, like using a lot of water.
More Examples
The company made a heavy investment.
Heavy industry relies on machinery.
How It's Used
"A heavy smoker."
"Heavy investment in technology."
Thick, dense, or substantial in consistency or appearance.
/ˈhɛvi/
Thick or dense.
The fog was heavy.
💡 Simply: Something that's thick. Think of fog being so thick you can't see, it's heavy.
👶 For kids: Something that's heavy is thick, like if fog is thick.
More Examples
Heavy curtains blocked out the light.
The air smelled heavy with perfume.
How It's Used
"Heavy fog covered the city."
"Heavy fabric."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
heavy-hearted
Feeling sad or depressed.
"She was heavy-hearted after the disappointing news."
heavy weather
Difficult or unpleasant circumstances.
"They encountered some heavy weather during their negotiations."
heavy duty
Designed for hard use or heavy work.
"They bought heavy-duty tools for the construction project."
From Old English *hefig*, from Proto-Germanic *habīgaz* ('heavy, weighty'). Related to the verb 'heave'.
Used since Old English, with its meaning remaining largely consistent across centuries, with developments focusing on metaphorical applications, such as 'heavy-hearted'.
Memory tip
Think of a 'heavy' bag filled with rocks – it's hard to carry!
Word Origin
"Weighty, significant"