What does "heartstrings" mean?
The tendons or other structures resembling cords once thought to be attached to, or to brace, the heart; especially the aorta, pulmonary artery, and other large arteries connected to them; also, the diaphragm.
Heartstrings
/ˈhɑːtstɹɪŋz/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The tendons or other structures resembling cords once thought to be attached to, or to brace, the heart; especially the aorta, pulmonary artery, and other large arteries connected to them; also, the diaphragm.
- Grammar: heartstrings is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: being, bones, bosom, breast.
- Useful contrasts: callousness, detachment, indifference.
- Usage evidence: She pulled at her heartstrings.
How to use "heartstrings"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "heartstrings" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "heartstrings" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "heartstrings" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "heartstrings" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The tendons or other structures resembling cords once thought to be attached to, or to brace, the heart; especially the aorta, pulmonary artery, and other large arteries connected to them; also, the diaphragm. historical, plural, plural-normally
"Harte ſtrynges uenies de cuevr."
- 2 your deepest feelings of love and compassion wordnet
- 3 Synonym of chordae tendineae (“the cord-like tendons that connect the papillary muscles to the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve in the heart”). broadly, plural, plural-normally
"The atrioventricular valves are prevented from turning inside out by strands of connective tissue, which run from their underside to the walls of the ventricle. These are the so-called heartstrings or chordae tendin[e]ae."
- 4 The source of one's deepest emotions or inner feelings, especially compassion or love. figuratively, plural, plural-normally
"The sad eyes of the orphan tugged at my heartstrings."
- 5 The essential or vital part of something; the core, the essence, the heart. archaic, figuratively, plural, plural-normally
"And for to ſeeke out gemmes and ſome little ſtones, vve ſtrike pits deep vvithin the ground. Thus vvee plucke the very heart-ſtrings out of her [the Earth], and all to vveare on our finger one gemme or precious ſtone, to fulfill our pleaſure and deſire."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"She pulled at her heartstrings."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "heartstrings"?
Common synonyms include: being, bones, bosom, breast, chordae tendineae, cockles of the heart.
How do you use "heartstrings" in a sentence?
She pulled at her heartstrings.
How do you pronounce "heartstrings"?
Pronounced /ˈhɑːtstɹɪŋz/.
Etymology
PIE word *ḱḗr From Late Middle English hartestrynges, hert strynges, from Middle English herte (“heart”) + strenges, strynges (“cords, strings”). The English word is analysable as heart + strings.