half-hearted
/'hɑ:f'hɑ:tid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: - Feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm: Describes an action, attitude, or effort that is done without genuine interest, energy, or commitment. It implies a lack of wholehearted dedication.
Examples
- Adjective:
- He made a half-hearted attempt to clean his room before giving up.
- The team's half-hearted defense led to an easy goal for their opponents.
- She gave a half-hearted apology, which did not seem sincere.
Advanced Usage
- "to be half-hearted about something": To lack genuine enthusiasm or commitment toward a particular thing or activity.
- He was half-hearted about the new project from the start, so its failure was no surprise.
Variants and Related Words
- Half-heartedly (adverb): In a manner that shows little interest or enthusiasm.
- She smiled half-heartedly at the joke she didn't understand.
Synonyms
- Lukewarm: Lacking enthusiasm; showing little interest.
- Perfunctory: Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection; done as a duty or routine.
- Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Antonyms
- Wholehearted: Showing or characterized by complete sincerity and commitment.
- Enthusiastic: Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.
- Ardent: Very enthusiastic or passionate.
Related Idioms
- "To give something a half-hearted try": To attempt something without putting in full effort or commitment.
- He gave the diet a half-hearted try for a week and then went back to his old habits.
Adjective
- feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm
- a halfhearted effort
- gave only lukewarm support to the candidate