Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Large in amount, size, or degree: Used to describe something that is substantial, considerable, or impressively large.
   • Of considerable weight and size; heavy: Describing a physical object that is large and heavy.
   • (Of a person) Possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful: Describing a person who is large, strong, and muscular.

Usage Examples

• Describing an amount or degree:
  • The company gave him a hefty bonus for his excellent work.
  • Moving to a new city involves a hefty amount of paperwork.
• Describing a physical object:
  • She lifted the hefty dictionary onto the shelf.
  • The package was surprisingly hefty for its size.
• Describing a person:
  • The hefty security guard stood at the entrance.
  • He was a hefty man, well-suited for manual labor.

Advanced Usage

• "Hefty" can imply an imposing or formidable quality beyond just physical size.
  • The new regulations come with a hefty set of compliance requirements.
• It is often used informally to emphasize that something is significantly large or substantial.
  • They faced a hefty fine for violating the rules.

Variants and Related Words

• Heft (noun): The weight or bulk of something.
  • The heft of the suitcase made it difficult to carry.
• Heft (verb): To lift or evaluate the weight of something by holding it.
  • He hefted the bag to see if he could carry it.

Synonyms

• Substantial: Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
• Sizable: Fairly large.
• Considerable: Notably large in size, amount, or extent.
• Burly: (For a person) large and strong; heavily built.

Related Phrases

• Hefty price tag: An idiom indicating a very high cost.
  • The luxury car comes with a hefty price tag.
• Hefty dose: A large amount of something, often metaphorical.
  • The critic delivered a hefty dose of harsh feedback.

Adjective

1. large in amount or extent or degree
   • it cost a considerable amount
   • a goodly amount
   • received a hefty bonus
   • a respectable sum
   • a tidy sum of money
   • a sizable fortune
2. of considerable weight and size
   • a hefty dictionary
3. (of a person) possessing physical strength and weight; rugged and powerful
   • a hefty athlete
   • a muscular boxer
   • powerful arms