What does bigheartedly mean?
Bigheartedly means generously, unselfishly, and with wholehearted commitment. It is especially appropriate when someone gives money, time, assistance, or encouragement to another person or to a wider cause. The adverb conveys more than a simple willingness to help: it suggests an open-handed and emotionally generous attitude, often involving a substantial contribution or sincere dedication. For example, a donor may give bigheartedly to a charity, while teammates may play bigheartedly by supporting one another even when victory is unlikely. The expression is understood in both British and American English and occurs in conversation as well as in reports, speeches, and accounts of philanthropy. It is closely related in meaning to generously and wholeheartedly, but it often carries a warmer and more personal emphasis, highlighting the character of the person giving rather than merely the scale of the contribution.
adverbIn a generous, open-handed, or unselfish manner; wholeheartedly.
- With generosity, unselfishness, and wholehearted commitment.
"The volunteers gave bigheartedly to families affected by the storm."
"She contributed bigheartedly to the community food bank."
"The coach encouraged his players to compete bigheartedly rather than simply to win."
A generous spirit, in two simple parts: a big heart and the manner of acting that follows from it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does bigheartedly come from?
Bigheartedly is the adverb formed from the compound adjective bighearted, with the usual adverbial suffix -ly. Bighearted was created in English by combining big with hearty, a word based on heart; this gives the expression its figurative sense of possessing a generous or expansive heart. English relatives sharing the heart element include hearty, heartfelt, goodhearted, and kindhearted, while the heart element itself ultimately comes from the Germanic language family.
Related word forms
How bigheartedly is actually used
The word has a strongly positive connotation and is especially common in informal English, although it is also suitable for speeches and formal reports. It can describe giving money or time, lending support, or approaching an activity with exceptional generosity and commitment.