Heavy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective adverb noun /ˈhe-vē/

Meaning & Definition of Heavy

Heavy (adjective)

  1. having great weight; also, characterized by mass or weight
  2. having a high specific gravity, having great weight in proportion to bulk
  3. having or being atoms of greater than normal mass for that element

Heavy (adverb)

  1. to a great or overwhelming degree, with or as if with great weight, in a heavy manner, heavily

Heavy (noun)

  1. heavyweight
  2. a theatrical role of a dignified or somber character; also, an actor playing such a role
  3. a character in a story or play who opposes the hero, villain

Heavy (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having great weight

    "this trunk full of books is much too heavy for one person to lift"

    opposite: light, weightless
  2. causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest

    "the study of history doesn't have to be all about dull heavy reading and the memorization of dates"

  3. containing much seasoning, fat, or sugar

    "avoid heavy desserts like cheesecake and pecan pie"

    similar: rich
    opposite: light, lite
  4. covered over by clouds

    "heavy skies threatening rain"

    opposite: clear, cloudless
  5. difficult to endure

    "they paid a heavy price for their mistakes"

    opposite: easy, light, soft
  6. extreme in degree, power, or effect

    "heavy rains"

    "the company is forecasting heavy losses this year"

    opposite: light, moderate, soft
  7. having a matter of importance as its topic

    "got into a heavy discussion about death and the afterlife"

    similar: grave, serious, weighty
    opposite: light, unserious
  8. requiring considerable physical or mental effort

    "until we find our groove, it's going to be heavy sledding on this project"

  9. having great power or influence

    "she's not among the handful of heavy critics who can make or break a Broadway show"

  10. containing unborn young within the body

    "the heifer was heavy with young and soon would be birthing"

    opposite: nonpregnant

Heavy (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a mean, evil, or unprincipled person

    "he played the heavy in film after film until being cast against type as the romantic lead in a comedy"

  2. one of high position or importance within a group

    "in the field of secondary education, she definitely ranks as one of the heavies"

Related Entry: Heavy-duty (adjective)

Heavy-duty is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy-duty, not for heavy.

  1. extreme in degree, power, or effect

    "some heavy-duty lobbying on the part of the president was necessary in order to get the bill passed"

    opposite: light, moderate, soft
  2. having great power or influence

    "a group of heavy-duty politicians and other notables attended the gala"

Related Entry: Heavy-handed (adjective)

Heavy-handed is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy-handed, not for heavy.

  1. given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint

    "the new manager's heavy-handed approach soon had employees turning in their letters of resignation"

  2. lacking or showing a lack of nimbleness in using one's hands

    "felt heavy-handed and awkward when holding the newborn infant"

Related Entry: Heavy hitter (noun)

Heavy hitter is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy hitter, not for heavy.

  1. one of high position or importance within a group

    "many of the heavy hitters in the wine industry were boozing and schmoozing at the expo"

Related Entry: Heavy lifting (noun)

Heavy lifting is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy lifting, not for heavy.

  1. as in grind, drudgery

Related Entry: Heavy liftings (noun)

Heavy liftings is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy liftings, not for heavy.

  1. as in grinds, drudgeries

Related Entry: Heavy-footed (adjective)

Heavy-footed is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy-footed, not for heavy.

  1. as in plodding, inching

Related Entry: Heavy-handedness (noun)

Heavy-handedness is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy-handedness, not for heavy.

  1. as in crudeness, clumsiness

  2. as in harshness, oppressiveness

Related Entry: Heavy hitters (noun)

Heavy hitters is a different word from Heavy. The synonyms below are for heavy hitters, not for heavy.

  1. one of high position or importance within a group

    "many of the heavy hitters in the wine industry were boozing and schmoozing at the expo"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Heavy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Heavy:

Archaic: quick
Chiefly British: nob

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Heavy

Words with the opposite meaning of Heavy:

Near Antonyms of Heavy

Word Forms of Heavy

Inflections: heavier, heaviest, heavies

Derived words: heaviness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Heavy

Middle English hevy, from Old English hefig; akin to Old High German hebīc heavy, Old English hebban to lift heave:1

First known use: before 12th century

Words & Phrases Containing Heavy

Frequently Asked Questions about Heavy

What does "Heavy" mean?

"Heavy" means having great weight; also, characterized by mass or weight. As an an adjective, an adverb and a noun, it is defined as: having great weight; also, characterized by mass or weight. It has 12 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Heavy"?

Other words for "Heavy" include hefty, massive, ponderous, weighty, arid, boring, colorless and drab. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Heavy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Heavy"?

There are 475 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Heavy". Common alternatives include hefty, massive, ponderous, weighty, arid, boring, colorless, drab, dreary and drudging.

What is the opposite of "Heavy"?

Antonyms of "Heavy" include light, weightless, absorbing, engaging, engrossing, gripping, interesting and intriguing. Near antonyms include airy, ethereal, feathery and fluffy.

How do you use "Heavy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Heavy" in a sentence: "this trunk full of books is much too heavy for one person to lift"; "the study of history doesn't have to be all about dull heavy reading and the memorization of dates"; "avoid heavy desserts like cheesecake and pecan pie".

Is "Heavy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Heavy" can be used as an adjective, an adverb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Heavy"?

"Heavy" is pronounced /ˈhe-vē/.

What is the origin of the word "Heavy"?

"Heavy" comes from Middle English hevy, from Old English hefig; akin to Old High German hebīc heavy, Old English hebban to lift heave:1. First known use: before 12th century.