The correct spelling of the phrase "hard hearted" is with a double "d" in "hard" and two words, not hyphenated. The IPA phonetic transcription would be /hɑːd ˈhɑːtɪd/. The "h" in "hard" is pronounced with a silent "h" sound, while the "a" is pronounced with a long "a" sound. The stress in "hearted" falls on the first syllable, which is pronounced with a short "a" sound. Together, these two words convey a sense of someone being unfeeling or lacking in compassion.
The term "hard-hearted" is an adjective that describes a person who lacks compassion, empathy, or sympathy towards others. It refers to an individual who displays a cold, unfeeling, or unresponsive attitude and demeanor towards the feelings, needs, or suffering of others. A hard-hearted person is often seen as callous, unkind, or indifferent, even when faced with situations that warrant emotional understanding or support.
Such an individual may show little to no remorse or sympathy when witnessing or learning about the pain, difficulties, or misfortunes of others. They may be dismissive, unsympathetic, or apathetic towards the emotions or struggles of those around them. Hard-heartedness reflects a lack of emotional connection or concern for the well-being of others.
A hard-hearted person may be unyielding in their opinions, unwilling to show kindness, or unwilling to offer forgiveness or understanding. They may exhibit a tough exterior that shields them from forming deep emotional connections or investing in the emotions and vulnerabilities of others. Being hard-hearted often results in isolating oneself from meaningful relationships and hindering empathetic growth.
It is important to note that a hard-hearted person may not necessarily be cruel or malicious; rather, they simply lack the capacity or willingness to empathize with others. This inclination may stem from various factors, such as past experiences, personal beliefs, or a protective mechanism developed over time.
The word "hard-hearted" has its origins in the Old English language.
The term "hard" comes from the Proto-Germanic word "harduz", meaning "hard" or "stiff". This later evolved into the Old English word "heard", which also meant "hard" or "firm".
The word "hearted" is derived from the Old English word "heort", which meant "heart". It came from the Proto-Germanic "hairtō" and can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "kerd-", meaning "heart".
The combination of "hard" and "hearted" in the phrase "hard-hearted" indicates a person's emotional state or character, suggesting someone who lacks sympathy, compassion, or tenderness. The etymology of "hard-hearted" therefore reflects the idea of an emotionally rigid or unfeeling individual.