heartstrings
Heartstrings (noun) means a person's deepest emotions, especially feelings of love or compassion. Example: “The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's heartstrings.”
How to use heartstrings
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishYour innermost, most tender emotions.
Almost always used in the phrase "tug/pull at someone's heartstrings."
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
heartstring singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's _____.
Etymology
Originally an anatomical term for the tendons imagined to hold the heart in place; it later became a poetic way to describe deep emotion, as in "tugging at the heartstrings."
Frequently asked questions
What does “heartstrings” mean?
The word “heartstrings” means a person's deepest emotions, especially feelings of love or compassion. In plain terms, your innermost, most tender emotions.
How do you pronounce “heartstrings”?
“Heartstrings” is pronounced HAHTST-rihngz (/ˈhɑɹtˌstɹɪŋz/ in IPA).
How do you use “heartstrings” in a sentence?
Here is “heartstrings” used in a sentence: “The charity's advert about stray dogs really tugged at people's heartstrings.”
What part of speech is “heartstrings”?
“Heartstrings” is a noun.