See also: Hefty

English

edit

Etymology

edit

19th century. From heft (weight) +‎ -y.

The similarity with German heftig (vigorous, violent, intense) is apparently coincidental. From the German are Dutch, Danish, Norwegian heftig, Swedish häftig.

Pronunciation

edit
  • IPA(key): /ˈhɛfti/
  • Audio (US):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɛfti

Adjective

edit

hefty (comparative heftier, superlative heftiest)

  1. with heft; heavy, strong, vigorous, mighty, impressive
    He can throw a hefty punch.
    • 1934, Frank Richards, The Magnet, Kidnapped from the Air:
      The Remove dormitory echoed to the old, familiar sound of Bunter's hefty snore.
  2. Strong; bulky.
    They use some hefty bolts to hold up road signs.
  3. (of a person) Possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful; powerfully or heavily built.
    He was a tall, hefty man.
  4. Heavy, weighing a lot.
    She carries a hefty backpack full of books.
  5. (of a number or amount) Large.
    That's going to cost you a hefty sum.
    a hefty fine

Derived terms

edit

Collocations

edit

Translations

edit