A2adjective1K

Heavy

UK /["/ˈhevi/"]/US /["/ˈhevi/"]/

Definition

weighing a lot; difficult to lift or move

In simple words: Something that weighs a lot.

Examples

  • The box was too heavy for me to lift.
  • She felt heavy with sadness after hearing the news.
  • He wore a heavy coat because it was cold outside.
  • The traffic was heavy during the rush hour.
  • After a heavy meal, I felt sleepy.

Usage notes

Used to describe weight or intensity. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but can be ambiguous when used metaphorically (like 'heavy workload').

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'heavy' elephant sitting on a scale!

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • become
  • get
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • weighty
  • bulky
  • massive
  • substantial
  • ponderous

Antonyms

  • light
  • weightless
  • insignificant

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'light' — using heavy for something that is not heavy.
  • Using 'heavily' when 'heavy' is needed — misplacing the adjective.
  • Mispronouncing the 'h' sound at the beginning of the word.