Definition

In a way that causes great sadness or emotional pain.

Example

The movie ended heartbreakingly, leaving the audience in tears.

Conversation

Did you see that movie last night?

Yeah, it was heartbreakingly beautiful, wasn't it?

Absolutely! The ending really got to me.

Same here. It was just so emotional.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heartbreakingly → It is formed from "heart" (from Old English "heorte", meaning the organ that pumps blood and also symbolizes emotion) and "break" (from Old English "brecan", meaning to shatter or destroy) combined with the adverbial suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "heartbreakingly" describes something done in a manner that causes deep emotional pain or sorrow.

Memory Tip

Think of the heart as the center of emotions, and when something 'breaks' it, it causes deep sadness. So, 'heartbreakingly' means something that causes sorrow in an emotional way.

Visually Confused Words