WordValehefty
large, heavy, and powerful
In more detail
1. (adjective) large in size, amount, or weight
2. (adjective) requiring considerable effort or strength
Examples
- 1. He paid a hefty price for the car. 2. Lifting the hefty box required two people.
How to use hefty
Hefty is an informal but widely used adjective that emphasizes both physical size and the impact or significance of something, often with a tone of mild complaint or emphasis. It typically describes something substantial that makes demands on resources, effort, or capacity, and is more conversational than formal synonyms like 'substantial' or 'considerable.' The word carries an undertone that whatever is hefty is somewhat burdensome or noteworthy.
Common phrases
- hefty price
- hefty fine
- hefty sum
- hefty weight
- hefty dose
Synonyms
substantial · considerable · weighty · bulky · massive
Opposites
slight · light · small
Word family
heft (noun, verb) · heftily (adverb) · heftiness (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use hefty only for physical weight or size, overlooking that it equally applies to abstract quantities like prices, fines, or workloads.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD