What does openheartedness mean?
Openheartedness is the quality of being open, sincere, and honest with other people. It suggests that someone shares feelings or opinions readily, treats others with warmth, and is not deceptive or guarded. The word is especially useful when describing personal behavior or character rather than the general availability of information. For example, an interviewer might praise a public figure's openheartedness, while a story might portray a character's openheartedness as making others feel comfortable. Compared with candor or frankness, openheartedness usually carries a warmer emotional tone, suggesting generosity and trust as well as truthfulness. Compared with openness more broadly, it focuses on sincerity and the treatment of people. It is a somewhat formal and literary term, so in ordinary conversation, honesty, warmth, or being straightforward may sound more natural.
nounThe quality of being open, sincere, and honest in one's dealings with others, especially without concealing private feelings or motives. It is a somewhat formal word that conveys warmth, candor, and trust.
- The quality of being sincere, honest, and open in one's dealings with others.
"Her openheartedness made it easy for the whole team to speak candidly."
"His openheartedness won over even those who had initially been reluctant to trust him."
"The account is notable for the openness and openheartedness of its central character."
Usually treated as an uncountable noun; plural forms are uncommon.
"Their openness and openheartedness made newcomers feel at ease."
Openheartedness turns the familiar idea of an open heart into a formal description of the warmth that encourages honest conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of openheartedness
The word is a compound of open, heart, and the suffix -edness, a form of the noun suffix -ness that creates a quality meaning. Its components reflect the older adjective openhearted, meaning open or sincere in feeling. Related words in English include heart, hearted, and heartfelt, all based on the same central idea of feelings and the heart as the seat of emotion.
Related word forms
How openheartedness is actually used
This is a formal, occasionally literary noun. It is more approving and personal than the more general word openness, and it is not commonly used in everyday speech.
Easily confused with openheartedness
Openness is a broader quality that can refer to access, communication, or lack of concealment, whereas openheartedness specifically emphasizes sincerity, warmth, and honesty in personal dealings.