hale
12 synonyms and 2 antonyms for hale, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Healthy and strong, especially for someone's age.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Healthy and strong, especially for someone's age.
“Even at ninety, her grandfather remained hale and active.”
Opposites
How to use hale
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hale and hearty
Somewhat old-fashioned or literary; rarely used outside the fixed phrase "hale and hearty."
Etymology
From Old English hal, meaning "whole" or "healthy" — the same ancient root that gave us the word "whole."
Full origin of hale →Frequently asked questions
What does “hale” mean?
The word “hale” means healthy and strong, especially for someone's age. In plain terms, in good health and sturdy, especially for one's age; often paired with "hearty" in the set phrase "hale and hearty.".
How do you pronounce “hale”?
“Hale” is pronounced hayl (/heɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “hale” in a sentence?
Here is “hale” used in a sentence: “Even at ninety, her grandfather remained hale and active.”
What part of speech is “hale”?
Depending on how it is used, “hale” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “hale” come from?
The word “hale” comes from Old English. From Old English hal, meaning "whole" or "healthy" — the same ancient root that gave us the word "whole.".
Is “hale” a common word?
“Hale” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hale” have?
“Hale” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: healthy and strong, especially for someone's age.
What is the difference between hale and hail?
Hale and hail are homophones, sounding alike but with different meanings and spellings. Hale describes being healthy and strong, especially for someone's age, while hail refers to frozen precipitation or to greeting/calling out to someone.
Can hale be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb, hale means to pull or drag someone forcibly, a less common usage distinct from the adjective describing good health. This verb sense appears mainly in older or literary English.
