How Do You Spell HEAVY?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛvi] (IPA)

The word "heavy" is spelled with the letters H-E-A-V-Y. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈhɛvi/. The first sound is the voiceless /h/ sound, followed by the vowel sound /ɛ/ as in "bet". The second syllable has the vowel sound /i/ as in "me". The spelling of this word reflects the pronunciation of the sounds used to create it.

HEAVY Meaning and Definition

  1. Heavy is an adjective that widely refers to something having substantial weight, density, or mass. When used in a physical sense, it pertains to objects or substances that possess a significant gravitational pull or bulkiness. It characterizes things that require considerable effort to lift, move, or manipulate due to their weightiness.

    However, heavy can also be used in a more figurative sense. In this context, it implies something that has a profound impact, depth, or influence on a particular situation or person. For example, a heavy burden signifies a significant responsibility or challenging obligation, often bringing emotional or mental strain. Similarly, heavy criticism refers to severe or harsh feedback that affects someone deeply.

    Moreover, heavy can describe something that is considerable in magnitude, amount, or intensity. It can be used to illustrate a significant quantity, such as heavy rain indicating a substantial volume of precipitation or heavy traffic highlighting a large number of vehicles on the road.

    In addition, heavy also holds connotations of seriousness or somberness. When describing an atmosphere or mood, it suggests a weighty or grave tone. For instance, heavy silence denotes an intense and serious atmosphere lacking in levity or noise.

    Overall, heavy is a versatile adjective that denotes physical weight, significant influence, large quantity, and seriousness, depending on the context in which it is used.

  2. • Weighty; ponderous; dejected; depressed; dark; drowsy; not light or spongy; large; abundant; indigestible; dull or tedious, as a sermon; soft or miry, as heavy land; loud, as heavy firing.
    • Common as the first element of a compound; heavily, as in heavy-laden, heavy-hearted.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HEAVY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HEAVY

Etymology of HEAVY

The word "heavy" can be traced back to the Old English word "hefig", which had the same meaning. In turn, "hefig" can be linked to the Proto-Germanic word "hafjan", meaning "to lift, carry". This Proto-Germanic root is also related to the Old Norse word "haf", meaning "sea" or "water". The word "heavy" eventually evolved in Middle English, retaining its original meaning of weight or mass.

Idioms with the word HEAVY

  • be heavy on sb The idiom "be heavy on sb" means to be overly critical, demanding, or burdensome towards someone. It refers to a situation where someone is putting excessive pressure or responsibility on another person, often causing them stress or hardship.
  • be/go heavy on sth The idiom "be/go heavy on sth" means to use or include a large amount or high concentration of something, typically in cooking, seasoning, or other forms of preparation. It implies an excessive or abundant use of a particular ingredient or element.
  • a (heavy) cross to bear The idiom "a (heavy) cross to bear" refers to a burden, responsibility, or hardship that one must endure or carry, often implying that it is particularly difficult or challenging to manage. The phrase draws its origins from the Christian biblical reference to Jesus carrying a large cross before his crucifixion, symbolizing the weight and suffering of his sacrifice.
  • hot and heavy The idiom "hot and heavy" typically refers to a passionate, intense, or sexually charged situation or relationship. It generally implies that there is a strong and intense emotional or physical connection between two people or parties involved.
  • heavy with The idiom "heavy with" typically means burdened or weighed down with something, often referring to emotional or physical weight. It implies that someone is carrying a heavy load, either literally or figuratively, which can cause difficulty or unease.
  • a heavy date The idiom "a heavy date" refers to a significant or important event or appointment planned in advance, typically involving romantic or social interactions. It implies that the occasion holds considerable weight or importance for the individuals involved, often with high expectations and anticipation.
  • a heavy heart The idiom "a heavy heart" typically refers to feeling sadness, guilt, or grief. It signifies a burdened or weighed down emotional state.
  • play the heavy The idiom "play the heavy" refers to the act of assuming or being assigned the role of the antagonist or villain in a particular situation. It means that a person is deliberately representing themselves or behaving in a way that is perceived as harsh, strict, or intimidating, often for the purpose of enforcing rules, discipline, or delivering bad news. The phrase can be used in various contexts, including personal relationships, work environments, or even in entertainment and storytelling.
  • lay a (heavy) trip on sm The idiom "lay a (heavy) trip on someone" refers to the act of causing emotional or psychological distress to someone by burdening them with guilt, blame, or by subjecting them to pressure or criticism. It often involves manipulating someone's emotions or thoughts in a negative and burdensome way.
  • with a heavy heart The idiom "with a heavy heart" refers to the feeling of sadness, sorrow, or grief one experiences while undertaking a task or making a decision, typically due to a sense of obligation or responsibility.
  • heavy petting The idiom "heavy petting" refers to intimate physical contact between couples, typically involving passionate kissing, caressing, and touching of certain erogenous zones, but without engaging in sexual intercourse.
  • be heavy going The idiom "be heavy going" means something is difficult, slow, or laborious. It refers to a task, situation, or activity that requires a lot of effort, is challenging, or lacks progress.
  • heavy into sm or sth The idiom "heavy into" refers to someone being deeply or intensely involved or interested in something or someone. It implies a strong commitment or obsession with a particular activity or subject matter.
  • heavy going The idiom "heavy going" refers to something that is difficult, arduous, or cumbersome. It describes a task, situation, or material that requires significant effort, is hard to understand, or progresses slowly.
  • hang heavy The idiom "hang heavy" is commonly used to describe a situation or atmosphere that feels burdensome, oppressive, or filled with a sense of weightiness. It indicates a feeling of being weighed down or overwhelmed by something, whether it be a specific problem, responsibility, or general negativity.
  • heavy with child The idiom "heavy with child" refers to a pregnant woman who is in the advanced stages of pregnancy and experiencing the physical discomfort and weight associated with carrying a baby.
  • with a heavy hand The idiom "with a heavy hand" refers to doing something forcefully or with excessive authority, control, or severity. It implies the act of being harsh, oppressive, or rigid in one's approach or actions.
  • the heavy mob/brigade The idiom "the heavy mob/brigade" refers to a group of physically powerful or influential people, often implying a criminal or aggressive undertone. It indicates a collective of individuals who possess considerable strength, force, or authority, typically used to intimidate or overpower others.
  • a heavy silence/atmosphere The idiom "a heavy silence/atmosphere" refers to a tense and oppressive feeling that fills a situation or environment. It describes a silence or atmosphere that is burdened and uncomfortable, often indicating the presence of unresolved conflict, sadness, or anxiety.
  • be (a bit) on the heavy side The idiom "be (a bit) on the heavy side" refers to someone or something that is slightly or noticeably overweight or heavier than average. It suggests that the person or object may not conform to the typical or desired weight or size.
  • heavy artillery The idiom "heavy artillery" is a metaphorical expression referring to powerful and influential individuals, groups, or resources that are employed or utilized to achieve a particular objective. It originally stems from military terminology, where heavy artillery refers to large and powerful weapons used in warfare. Therefore, in a figurative sense, heavy artillery implies deploying significant strength, force, or influential resources to overcome a challenging situation or to secure a desired outcome.
  • heavy date The idiom "heavy date" refers to a social engagement or romantic outing that is intense, significant, or emotionally demanding. It denotes a date or event that carries a lot of weight or importance, often involving deep conversations or significant emotional investment.
  • make heavy going of (something) The idiom "make heavy going of (something)" means to struggle or find something difficult and slow to progress or complete. It implies that someone is having a hard time with a particular task, making little or slow progress despite their efforts.
  • get heavy The idiom "get heavy" typically refers to a situation or interaction becoming intense, serious, or burdensome. It can imply a weighty emotional or intellectual level of depth, often indicating a shift from a lighthearted or casual tone to a more serious one. It is often used to describe a conversation, discussion, relationship, or circumstance that becomes difficult, tense, or demanding.
  • a heavy hand The idiom "a heavy hand" refers to someone using excessive or oppressive authority or control over a situation or person. It suggests that the person is being too forceful, strict, or overbearing in their actions or decisions.
  • heavy hand The idiom "heavy hand" is generally used to describe someone who exercises excessive authority or control, often in a forceful or oppressive manner. It refers to the use of power or influence in a way that is overbearing or without consideration for others' opinions or preferences.
  • heavy hand, with a The idiom "heavy hand, with a" refers to taking firm or oppressive control over something or someone, often characterized by using excessive force, demands, or authority. It implies that someone is excessively strict, severe, or harsh in their manner of handling a situation or dealing with others.
  • heavy heart, with a The idiom "heavy heart, with a" means feeling sorrow, sadness, or a burdened conscience due to a particular situation or circumstance. It refers to the emotional weight or heaviness one experiences when they are filled with remorse, regret, or a sense of guilt.
  • hang/lie heavy The idiom "hang/lie heavy" means to feel burdensome, oppressive, or burdensome. It is often used to describe a situation or a feeling of weighed down or being overwhelmed by something negative, such as responsibilities, guilt, sadness, or a sense of impending doom.
  • heavy brigade The idiom "heavy brigade" typically refers to a group or organization that is known for its strength, power, or forceful approach in a certain field. It is often used metaphorically to describe a group of people who possess considerable influence, authority, or dominance in a particular situation.
  • heavy into To be "heavy into" something means to be deeply involved, enthusiastic, or knowledgeable about a particular interest, hobby, or activity. It implies that a person has a strong passion or dedication towards that specific subject matter or pursuit.
  • heavy into someone/something The idiom "heavy into someone/something" refers to being deeply involved, engrossed, or passionate about a particular person or activity. It implies a strong level of interest, dedication, or focus.
  • heavy mob The idiom "heavy mob" refers to a large, powerful, and often intimidating group of individuals, typically with criminal intentions or involved in confrontational activities. It signifies a group of people who possess strength in numbers and are capable of exerting force or influence to achieve their aims. This idiom is often used to describe organized crime syndicates or unruly groups capable of causing serious trouble or disruption.
  • heavy money The idiom "heavy money" generally refers to a large amount of money, especially when it comes to significant financial transactions or wealth. "Heavy" in this context emphasizes the magnitude or weight of the amount, indicating that it is substantial or significant. It can imply a considerable sum of money or wealth that has an influential or impactful effect.
  • heavy on The idiom "heavy on" is used to describe or emphasize the excessive or abundant presence of something. It implies that there is an overabundance or an excessive quantity of the mentioned subject or characteristic.
  • heavy scene The idiom "heavy scene" refers to a situation or occurrence that is intense, serious, or emotionally charged. It can describe a tense atmosphere, a dramatic event, or a deeply profound experience.
  • heavy soul The idiom "heavy soul" refers to a state of deep sadness, burden, or emotional weight that a person carries within themselves. It describes a feeling of immense sorrow or anguish that affects one's overall demeanor and outlook on life.
  • lie heavy The idiom "lie heavy" typically means to feel burdensome or weigh heavily on someone's conscience, emotions, or thoughts. It is often used to describe a feeling of guilt, remorse, or sadness that is difficult to bear.
  • sit heavy on the stomach The idiom "sit heavy on the stomach" typically refers to something that causes a feeling of discomfort, guilt, or unease, particularly in relation to food. It implies that something has been consumed or experienced that leaves a lingering negative effect or feeling.
  • time hangs/lies heavy The idiom "time hangs/lies heavy" refers to a situation where time seems to pass slowly or feel burdensome. It implies that there is a sense of boredom, restlessness, or lack of activities to occupy oneself, making the passage of time feel tedious and dragging.
  • top heavy The idiom "top heavy" refers to a situation or organization that has a disproportionate number of high-level or senior positions compared to the number of lower-level or supporting roles. It suggests that there is an imbalance or excessive concentration of authority, power, or responsibility at the top of the hierarchy, potentially leading to inefficiency, instability, or lack of effectiveness.
  • walk heavy The idiom "walk heavy" typically refers to someone who exudes power, confidence, and authority. It means to conduct oneself in a way that commands respect or instills fear in others.
  • wing heavy The idiom "wing heavy" refers to a situation where there is an imbalance or excess in the number or prominence of individuals or groups from a particular side or perspective. It suggests that there is an overrepresentation or dominance of one viewpoint or faction compared to others, often within a political or ideological context.
  • heavy lifting The idiom "heavy lifting" refers to the challenging or difficult tasks that require a great deal of effort, strength, or expertise to accomplish. It is often used metaphorically to describe the most demanding or arduous aspects of a project, task, or situation.
  • heavy hitter The idiom "heavy hitter" refers to someone who is powerful, influential, or successful in a particular field or endeavor. It typically describes individuals who have a significant impact, possess great skill or expertise, and can make a substantial difference or achieve remarkable results.
  • a heavy hitter The idiom "a heavy hitter" refers to a person who wields significant influence or power, often in a particular field or industry. It typically describes someone who is highly skilled, successful, and capable of making a substantial impact or achieving impressive results. This idiom can be used to refer to individuals who are powerful, influential, or exceptionally talented in their respective area of expertise.
  • Time hangs heavy on sm's hands. The idiom "Time hangs heavy on someone's hands" refers to a situation where someone feels bored, restless, or unoccupied because they have too much free time or are waiting for something to do. It suggests that the passage of time feels slow or burdensome when there is nothing engaging or fulfilling to do.
  • time hangs/lies heavy (on sb's hands) The idiom "time hangs/lies heavy on someone's hands" means that someone feels bored or restless because they do not have enough activities or things to occupy their time. They may feel that time is passing slowly and that they have too much free time on their hands, leading to a sense of tedium or dissatisfaction.
  • make heavy weather of The idiom "make heavy weather of" means to exaggerate or make unnecessary difficulties or complications in dealing with a task or situation, often resulting in prolonging or complicating it unnecessarily.
  • A heavy purse makes a light heart. The idiom "A heavy purse makes a light heart" means that having money or financial security can significantly reduce one's worries or troubles, leading to a feeling of contentment and happiness. When one is financially stable, they are more likely to feel carefree and at ease mentally.
  • make heavy weather of (something) The idiom "make heavy weather of (something)" means to unnecessarily complicate or exaggerate a situation, task, or problem, making it seem more difficult or challenging than it actually is. It implies that someone is making an excessive effort or struggling excessively, often causing delays or confusion.
  • make heavy weather The idiom "make heavy weather" means to make a situation more difficult than it needs to be. It refers to the act of exaggerating or over-dramatizing a task, event, or situation, making it more cumbersome or complicated than necessary. It suggests that someone is creating unnecessary obstacles and challenges.
  • be on the expensive/heavy/large etc. side The idiom "be on the expensive/heavy/large etc. side" refers to something that is more expensive, heavy, large, etc., than desired or expected. It implies that the particular item or situation is beyond one's intended budget, weight limit, size requirement, or any other consideration.
  • have a heavy heart The idiom "have a heavy heart" means to feel deeply saddened or burdened by a certain situation or event. It implies a feeling of emotional weight or sorrow.
  • make heavy weather of something/of doing something The idiom "make heavy weather of something/of doing something" means to make an excessive or unnecessary effort in dealing with or accomplishing a task or situation. It refers to overcomplicating or overthinking something, often leading to unnecessary difficulties or delays.
  • light purse makes a heavy heart The idiom "light purse makes a heavy heart" means that financial difficulties and scarcity of money can lead to feelings of sadness, burden, or emotional weight. It implies that the stress and concerns related to a lack of money can weigh heavily on a person's emotions.
  • Time hangs heavy on hands The idiom "Time hangs heavy on hands" means to feel bored or idle because there is not enough to do or time passes slowly. It implies that one has a lot of free time but lacks fulfilling activities or distractions to keep occupied, causing the passing of time to feel burdensome and uneventful.
  • make heavy weather of sth The idiom "make heavy weather of sth" means to unnecessarily complicate or overexaggerate a task or situation, making it more difficult or burdensome than it needs to be. It implies struggling or making excessive efforts where a simpler or more straightforward approach could have been taken.
  • carrying a heavy load The idiom "carrying a heavy load" typically means being burdened with a lot of responsibilities, tasks, or problems. It refers to someone who has a significant amount of work, pressure, or emotional weight to bear.
  • time hangs heavy The idiom "time hangs heavy" refers to a feeling of time passing slowly or feeling bored and restless due to a lack of activities or stimulation. It describes a situation where time seems to be moving slowly and can give rise to a feeling of tediousness or unproductiveness.
  • have a heavy foot The idiom "have a heavy foot" is used to describe someone who drives too fast or aggressively. It refers to a person who tends to press the gas pedal forcefully, resulting in high speed and potentially reckless driving.
  • make heavy weather of sth/doing sth The idiom "make heavy weather of sth/doing sth" means to make a task or situation seem more difficult or complicated than it actually is. It refers to someone overemphasizing the challenges or obstacles in a situation, causing unnecessary complexity or undue effort.
  • heavy joint
  • big (or heavy) hitter A "big (or heavy) hitter" is someone who is influential, powerful, or successful and tends to have a significant impact within their industry or field. This term is often used to describe individuals who have a strong reputation for achieving impressive results or making significant contributions.
  • lay a (heavy) trip on someone To put pressure, stress, or guilt on someone; to make someone feel troubled or burdened.
  • heavy bread "Heavy bread" is an idiom used to describe a situation or idea that is difficult to deal with or understand. It can refer to a burdensome or overwhelming circumstance.
  • heavy-hearted Feeling a deep sense of sadness or sorrow.
  • with a heavy/sinking heart The phrase "with a heavy/sinking heart" is used to describe feeling deep sadness, disappointment, or sorrow. It implies a sense of heaviness or weight on one's emotions, as if their heart is sinking or burdened with a heavy weight of sadness.
  • heavy-handed "Heavy-handed" is an adjective that describes a person or action that is forceful, clumsy, or excessively harsh in their approach. It typically refers to someone who lacks subtlety and tends to be overly direct or aggressive in their actions or decisions.
  • heavy-footed The idiom "heavy-footed" is used to describe someone who walks or moves clumsily and loudly, often making a lot of noise with their footsteps. It can also refer to someone who lacks grace or lightness in their movements.
  • heavy-duty The idiom "heavy-duty" refers to something that is able to withstand a large amount of wear, pressure, or use. It can also refer to something that is strong, durable, or powerful.
  • have a (heavy) cross to bear To have a heavy cross to bear means to have a difficult or burdensome responsibility or problem to deal with. It is often used when referring to a significant challenge or struggle that someone must endure.
  • heavy hash "Heavy hash" is a colloquial term that refers to a significant or weighty issue or problem that needs to be dealt with or addressed. It can also imply a difficult or troublesome situation that requires attention.

Similar spelling words for HEAVY

Plural form of HEAVY is HEAVIES

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