“Hearty” and “hardy” — they look alike, sound alike, and are easy to mix up. But they have very different meanings.
This article will clearly define “hearty” and “hardy” and explain how to tell them apart. We’ll cover definitions, examples, and memory tricks to help you remember the difference.
What does “hardy” mean? Strength and resilience
The word “hardy” means strong and able to withstand difficult conditions. Synonyms for “hardy” include robust, tough, and durable.
You might say:
- “The hardy plant thrived in the dry desert climate.”
- “The hardy breed of dog is known for its endurance and resilience.”
- “The hardy hiker trekked through the snow-covered mountains.”
In each of these examples, “hardy” describes something that’s strong enough to survive under tough conditions.
Defining “Hearty”: Warmth and Abundance
Hearty describes something that’s warm and friendly, or substantial and satisfying. It’s all about warmth, affection, and abundance.
Think of a hearty greeting: “The host gave a hearty welcome to all the guests.” Or a hearty meal: a thick steak, mashed potatoes, and gravy. And who doesn’t appreciate a hearty laugh? “We had a hearty laugh at the comedian’s jokes.” Or a hearty cheer? “The team celebrated their victory with a hearty cheer.”
The expression “hale and hearty”
You’ve probably heard the term “hale and hearty.” It’s an idiom that means healthy and strong, and it’s often used to describe older people. The phrase is something of a redundancy, as “hale” and “hearty” both mean “healthy.” According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “This redundant expression… probably survives owing to its pleasing alliteration.”
How to choose the right word
Because “hearty” and “hardy” sound so similar, context is key. These near-homophones require careful thought to make sure your meaning is clear.
Try running through a quick mental checklist. Does the word relate to strength and resilience (“hardy”)? Or does it relate to warmth and abundance (“hearty”)?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hardy or hearty laughter?
It’s hearty laughter. Think of it as laughter coming from the heart, full of warmth and genuine amusement. Hardy laughter doesn’t quite make sense in this context, as it would imply the laughter is resilient or tough, which isn’t the intended meaning.
Is it hardy or hearty thank you?
It’s hearty thank you. You express gratitude from the heart, making it a hearty expression of appreciation. A hardy thank you might suggest the gratitude is robust or resilient, but it doesn’t convey the genuine feeling behind the thanks.
Is it hardy or hearty handshake?
While both could arguably work, hearty handshake is more common. It implies a warm, enthusiastic, and sincere greeting. A hardy handshake suggests a strong and resilient grip, focusing more on the physical strength than the emotional warmth.
What’s the difference between hearty and hardy?
Hearty generally relates to the heart, warmth, enthusiasm, or abundance. Think of a hearty meal or a hearty welcome. Hardy, on the other hand, implies robustness, resilience, and the ability to withstand difficult conditions. A hardy plant can survive harsh winters, and a hardy individual is strong and resilient.
The Bottom Line
Hardy describes resilience and strength, while hearty suggests enthusiasm, warmth, and abundance. Now that you know the difference, try using these words in your writing and conversation. Pay attention to the context, and you’ll be sure to choose the right word every time.