n.
Pronunciation: ' he-v ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: heavi · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English hevy, from Old English hefig; akin to Old High German heb ī c heavy, Old English hebban to lift ― more at HEAVE
Date: before 12th century
1 a : having great weight also : characterized by mass or weight <how heavy is it?> b : having a high specific gravity : having great weight in proportion to bulk c (1) of an isotope : having or being atoms of greater than normal mass for that element (2) of a compound : containing heavy isotopes
2 : hard to bear specifically : GRIEVOUS , AFFLICTIVE <a heavy sorrow>
3 : of weighty import : SERIOUS < heavy consequences>
4 : DEEP , PROFOUND <a heavy silence>
5 a : borne down by something oppressive : BURDENED b : PREGNANT especially : approaching parturition
6 a : slow or dull from loss of vitality or resiliency : SLUGGISH <a tired heavy step> b : lacking sparkle or vivacity : DRAB c : lacking mirth or gaiety : DOLEFUL d : characterized by declining prices
7 : dulled with weariness : DROWSY
8 : greater in quantity or quality than the average of its kind or class: as a : of unusually large size or amount <a heavy turnout> < heavy traffic> b : of great force < heavy seas> c : threatening to rain or snow d (1) : impeding motion (2) : full of clay and inclined to hold water e : coming as if from a depth : LOUD < heavy breathing> f : THICK , COARSE < heavy syrup> g : OPPRESSIVE <a heavy odor> < heavy weather> <rule with a heavy hand> h : STEEP , ACUTE i : LABORIOUS , DIFFICULT < heavy going> j : IMMODERATE <a heavy smoker> k : more powerful than usual for its kind <a heavy cavalry> <a heavy cruiser> l : of large capacity or output
9 a : very rich and hard to digest < heavy desserts> b : not properly raised or leavened < heavy bread>
10 : producing goods (as coal, steel, or chemicals) used in the production of other goods < heavy industry>
11 a : having stress <a heavy rhythm> ― used especially of syllables in accentual verse b : being the strongest degree of stress in speech
12 : relating to theatrical parts of a grave or somber nature
13 : LONG 9 < heavy on ideas>
14 : IMPORTANT , PROMINENT <a heavy politician>
– heavi · ness noun
synonyms HEAVY , WEIGHTY , PONDEROUS , CUMBROUS , CUMBERSOME mean having great weight. HEAVY implies that something has greater density or thickness than the average of its kind or class <a heavy child for his age>. WEIGHTY suggests having actual and not just relative weight <a load of weighty boxes>. PONDEROUS implies having great weight because of size and massiveness with resulting great inertia < ponderous elephants in a circus parade>. CUMBROUS and CUMBERSOME imply heaviness and bulkiness that make for difficulty in grasping, moving, carrying, or manipulating <wrestled with the cumbrous furniture> <early cameras were cumbersome and inconvenient>.