hearty

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heart·y / ˈhärtē/ • adj. (heart·i·er, heart·i·est) 1. (of a person or their behavior) loudly vigorous and cheerful: a hearty and boisterous character he sang in a hearty baritone. ∎  (of a feeling or an opinion) heartfelt: hearty congratulations. ∎  (of a person) strong and healthy: a white-bearded but hearty man.2. (of food) wholesome and substantial: a hearty meal cooked over open flames. ∎  (of a person's appetite) robust and healthy: Jim goes for a long walk to work up a hearty appetite for dinner.• n. Brit., inf. 1. a vigorously cheerful and sporty person.2. (usu. me hearties) a form of address ascribed to sailors.DERIVATIVES: heart·i·ness n.