heavy

heav-y · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Having great weight; difficult to lift or move.

  2. 2.

    Of great density or thickness.

  3. 3.

    Intense, severe, or serious.

  4. 4.

    Requiring much physical or mental effort.

  5. 5.

    (of food) Difficult to digest; rich.

  6. 6.

    (informal) Serious or profound in nature.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    heavy heart — feeling of sadness or grief
  • •
    heavy-handed — clumsy, oppressive, or lacking subtlety
  • •
    heavy lifting — the most difficult part of a task
  • •
    heavy hitter — an important or influential person
  • •
    heavy weather — difficult conditions or circumstances

Related words

Antonyms: easy, light, lightweight
See also: burden, dense, light, weight
Synonyms: burdensome, hefty, substantial, weighty

Etymology

From Old English "hefig" (having weight, weighty, important), from Proto-Germanic "hafigaz," derived from "hafjaną" (to lift). Related to "heave." The metaphorical senses developed from the physical meaning of weight.