heartbeat
/'hɑ:tbi:t/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A single complete pulsation of the heart: The regular, rhythmic contraction and expansion of the heart muscle that pumps blood through the body.
- A very brief moment of time: An extremely short period, often compared to the time it takes for a single heart pulsation.
- A vital or animating force; a central driving element: Something that is the essential, life-giving, or unifying core of a system or place.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Pulsation of the heart):
- The doctor listened to the baby's steady heartbeat.
- He could feel the rapid heartbeat in his chest after running.
- Noun (Brief moment):
- The entire event was over in a heartbeat.
- I'll be back in a heartbeat.
- Noun (Vital force):
- The bustling market is the heartbeat of the old city.
- Innovation is the heartbeat of a successful tech company.
Advanced Usage
- "At a heartbeat" or "in a heartbeat": Used to indicate immediate willingness or an extremely short amount of time.
- I would accept that job offer in a heartbeat.
- "Miss a heartbeat": To be shocked or surprised.
- He didn't miss a heartbeat when he heard the surprising news. (Note: More common as "without missing a beat").
Variants and Related Words
- Heart: The organ itself, often used metaphorically as the center of emotion.
- Pulse: The rhythmic beating in the arteries, often felt at the wrist, caused by the heartbeat.
- Cardiac: Relating to the heart.
- Arrhythmia: An irregularity in the rhythm of the heartbeat.
Synonyms
- Pulse: The regular beat of the arteries.
- Throb: A strong, regular beat or pulsation.
- Instant: A very short period of time.
- Core: The central or most important part.
- Lifeblood: The vital element or force that gives something its strength and vitality.
Related Phrases
- Heartbeat away: Used to indicate being very close, often to a position of power.
- The Vice President is only a heartbeat away from the presidency.
Related Idioms
- In the blink of an eye: Happening very quickly (similar to "in a heartbeat" for time).
- The heart of the matter: The most central or important part of an issue.
Noun
- an animating or vital unifying force
- New York is the commercial heartbeat of America
- a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
- if I had the chance I'd do it in a flash
- the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the arteries with each beat of the heart
- he could feel the beat of her heart