hefty

A "hefty" object isn't just big—it has real weight to it. Think of a hefty box that takes effort to lift, or a hefty price tag on something you really want. It implies size, weight, or a large amount. You can talk about a hefty meal, a hefty fine, or a hefty stack of papers. Sometimes it can also mean strong or forceful—like a hefty blow.

The word comes from roots meaning "to heave" or "lifting weight," so it's always connected to something substantial and noticeable. A hefty donation to charity is both generous and significant, while a hefty book feels solid and dense in your hands.

"Hefty" describes something that is large, heavy, or considerable—often implying both physical size and substantial weight. It is more than just "big"; it suggests something imposing and noteworthy. For example: "The movers struggled with the hefty antique dresser," highlighting its literal weight and the difficulty of moving it.

Historically, "hefty" stems from the word heft, which relates to the act of lifting or the weight of an object. Over time, its usage has broadened significantly. You might describe a "hefty fine" as a large monetary penalty, or a "hefty workload" as a significant amount of work. It's not limited to physical objects; you can even have a "hefty argument"—one that is intense, weighty, and substantial.

Interestingly, "hefty" can also suggest strength or power. A "hefty punch" isn't just heavy; it's forceful and impactful. While often used in a positive or neutral way to describe generosity ("a hefty donation"), it can sometimes carry a slightly negative or blunt connotation when used to describe a person's physical size ("a hefty man").

Whether you're talking about physical weight, large sums of money, or a powerful force, "hefty" always points to something substantial, noticeable, and carrying considerable impact. It's a word that makes the subject feel more significant.