Pronunciation: [sˈɒft hˈɑːtɪd] (IPA) 
The term "soft hearted" is generally spelled with the letters S-O-F-T followed by H-E-A-R-T-E-D. In phonetic terms, this would be transcribed as /sɒft ˈhɑːtɪd/. The /s/ sound represents the 's' sound at the beginning of the word soft, while the /ɒ/ sound represents the "o" sound in "soft". The "h" in hearted is pronounced as /h/, while the "ea" is pronounced as /ɑː/. The final syllable of the word is pronounced as /ɪd/.
Soft-hearted is an adjective that describes someone who is easily moved by feelings of compassion, tenderness, or sentimentality. It refers to individuals who possess a high degree of sensitivity and empathy toward the emotions and struggles of others. Such individuals are often characterized by their ability to readily sympathize with the pain, suffering, or hardships faced by those around them.
Someone with a soft-hearted nature is typically kind-hearted, gentle, and understanding. They are inclined to offer emotional support and readily extend acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. This term is often associated with someone who possesses a nurturing and caring nature, as they are instinctively drawn to helping those in need.
The soft-hearted person often finds it difficult to remain indifferent to the suffering of others and may experience heightened emotions in response to both positive and negative situations. They may cry easily when watching emotional movies, become deeply affected by stories of injustice, or be profoundly impacted by displays of affection or love.
While being soft-hearted can be seen as a positive trait, it may also make individuals more susceptible to being taken advantage of or hurt by others, as their compassion can sometimes override their ability to set boundaries. However, their ability to connect with others on an emotional level often allows them to foster deep and meaningful relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual support.
The term "soft hearted" originated from the combination of two words: "soft" and "hearted".
- "Soft" comes from the Old English word "sōfte", which meant yielding to the touch, gentle, or mild. This word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "samftijaz".
- "Hearted" is derived from the Old English word "heort", which referred to the organ that pumps blood in the body. In this context, "hearted" means having a particular type of heart or disposition.
The two words were combined to form "soft hearted", describing someone who is gentle, tender, or sympathetic in nature.
