heft: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Informal, slightly regional/literary.
Quick answer
What does “heft” mean?
To lift or handle something heavy to assess its weight or solidity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To lift or handle something heavy to assess its weight or solidity.
The weight, bulk, or substance of something; also used figuratively for the perceived influence, significance, or importance of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun sense of 'substantial weight/importance' and figurative verb 'to heft one's weight around' are more common in AmE. In BrE, the verb is more literal and slightly archaic/rural.
Connotations
AmE: Often connotes power, influence, and tangible substance. BrE: More likely to evoke manual labour, physical bulk.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, but higher in AmE, especially in political/business commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “heft” in a Sentence
Subject + heft + Object (e.g., He hefted the sack)Object + with heft (e.g., a tool with some heft)have/lack + the heft to + infinitive (e.g., lacks the heft to influence)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “heft” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He hefted the sack of potatoes onto his shoulder before heading to the market.
- She paused to heft the antique vase, judging its authenticity by its weight.
American English
- The quarterback hefted the ball for one last Hail Mary pass.
- He hefted the new power tool, pleased with its solid feel.
adjective
British English
- The heft hammer was left by the blacksmith. (archaic/poetic use as attributive noun)
- A good heft spade is essential for the allotment.
American English
- He bought a heft duty truck for the farm work.
- She appreciated the heft feel of the professional-grade kitchen knife.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company's market power or financial resources ('The merger gives them more heft in the sector').
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical texts about manual work or material culture studies.
Everyday
Used when handling objects ('Heft this box for me'), or commenting on a heavy tool/phone.
Technical
Not a technical term, but may be used informally in engineering/logistics for manual handling.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “heft”
- Using 'heft' as a direct synonym for 'heavy' as a pure adjective (wrong: 'a heft box'; correct: 'a box with heft'). Confusing noun/verb forms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's moderately low frequency. It's more common in American English, particularly in contexts discussing power, influence, or the physical feel of an object.
Not standardly. It is a noun and a verb. Occasionally, especially in AmE, it's used attributively (e.g., 'a heft duty drill'), but this is informal and 'heavy-duty' is standard.
'Weight' is neutral and measurable. 'Heft' implies a subjective, often appreciable sense of substantial or satisfying weight, often gained through physical handling. It's more experiential.
Yes, but it's perceived as an Americanism. A British writer might use 'clout', 'muscle', or 'weight' instead for the same idea.
To lift or handle something heavy to assess its weight or solidity.
Heft is usually informal, slightly regional/literary. in register.
Heft: in British English it is pronounced /hɛft/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɛft/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “throw one's weight around (related to 'heft one's weight')”
- “carry weight”
- “pull one's weight”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HEFT sounds like 'heaved' and 'left' – you HEAVE something heavy and it's LEFT in your hands with great HEFT.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS WEIGHT (e.g., 'his opinion carries a lot of heft').
Practice
Quiz
In American political commentary, 'heft' most often refers to: