High-hearted
What it means
Noble, courageous, and generous in spirit.
Reach for it when using elevated or historical language for brave magnanimity
The high-hearted captain defended the crew before accepting any praise.
Noble, courageous, and generous in spirit.
Reach for it when using elevated or historical language for brave magnanimity
The high-hearted captain defended the crew before accepting any praise.
| everyday | |
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| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
Fits when freely giving credit, time, or resources is the exact quality
Careful Generous is broader and lacks high-hearted's brave moral spirit.
warm
Fits when unselfish moral purpose deserves elevated praise
Careful Noble can sound grand, hereditary, or vague without a specific act.
professional
Fits when action despite fear or risk should be stated directly
Careful Courageous says nothing about generosity or nobility of aim.
formal
Fits when generosity toward a rival or weaker party is central
Careful Magnanimous concerns large-minded treatment, not necessarily courage.
literary
Fits when brave and courteous conduct suits historical prose
Careful Gallant is dated and can carry gendered or romantic overtones.
high-hearted leader
The high-hearted leader shared credit with every local organizer.
high-hearted courage
High-hearted courage kept the protest peaceful under provocation.
remain high-hearted
She remained high-hearted even toward the rival who had mocked her.
Keep in mind
High-hearted is rare and old-fashioned. Noble, generous, or courageous will usually be clearer.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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