The phrase "breaks heart" sounds straightforward, but its spelling can be a bit tricky. The "breaks" part is easy enough, with the voiced consonant "b" followed by the voiceless "r" and "k" sounds. However, the real challenge comes with "heart," which is spelled with an "ea" vowel combination that can be pronounced in different ways. In IPA transcription, it's shown as /hɑrt/, with the "a" pronounced as an "ah" sound rather than "ee" or "ay."
The phrase "breaks heart" is an idiom used to describe a profound feeling of sadness, sorrow or emotional anguish caused by a particular event or situation. It typically refers to a happening or action that deeply affects a person's emotions, leaving them devastated or deeply hurt. The phrase is metaphorical, as it relates the pain experienced to a physical ailment, signifying the intensity of the emotional suffering.
To have one's heart broken implies a significant emotional attachment or deep affection towards someone or something, and having that love or connection seemingly shattered by an event can be emotionally devastating. It often implies betrayal, loss, disappointment, or despair. The phrase can be applied to various contexts, such as a failed relationship, the death of a loved one, a personal failure or setback, or witnessing any distressing situation that deeply impacts an individual's emotional well-being.
When a person's heart breaks, they may experience feelings of sadness, grief, despair, or emptiness. It can manifest as physical pain or discomfort, as the emotional anguish may generate physical sensations such as a heavy chest, shortness of breath, or aching. Whether in literature, music, or everyday conversations, the term "breaks heart" is commonly used to express the immense and profound sorrow experienced when confronted with overwhelming emotional anguish or when faced with heart-wrenching circumstances.
The etymology of the phrase "breaks heart" can be understood by analyzing the root words and their historical development.
The word "break" originates from Middle English "breken", which is derived from Old English "brecan". It has Germanic roots and is related to Old High German "brehhan" and Old Norse "brjóta", both of which mean "to break". The concept of breaking, or causing something to shatter or fragment, has been used figuratively to convey emotional or physical damage or disruption.
The word "heart" comes from Old English "heorte", which is thought to be derived from Proto-Germanic "*hertô". This term is related to Old High German "herza", Dutch "hart", and German "Herz". It can be traced further back to the Latin "cor", which also means "heart".