singlehearted

Singlehearted is an adjective describing a disposition or attitude marked by undivided sincerity and focus. It conveys a sense of wholehearted devotion or loyalty, as if the heart is united behind a single purpose or principle. The term appears in various contexts to emphasize candor, loyalty, and unwavering commitment, without suggestive duplicity or distraction.

Etymology and usage notes

Singlehearted is a compound of single and hearted. In modern writing, the hyphenated form single-hearted is more common than the unhyphenated variant, though all forms appear in older or more literary texts. The meaning aligns with other -hearted adjectives such as kind-hearted or stout-hearted, and it often overlaps with concepts of wholeheartedness and single-mindedness.

Context and typical usage

The word is most frequently encountered in literary, devotional, or formal prose. It characterizes motives, actions, or loyalties as free from wavering or deceit—an undivided commitment to a person, cause, or principle. In secular usage, it can describe a devoted colleague or a sincere, focused effort; in religious or moral discourse, it reinforces fidelity and earnest intent.

Related terms and contrasts

Synonyms include wholehearted, single-minded, devoted, and sincere. Antonyms include half-hearted, divided, or duplicious. A closely related noun is single-heartedness, and adverbs include single-heartedly, though such forms are relatively rare in contemporary writing.

See also

Wholehearted, single-minded, sincerity, earnestness, devotion.