Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/hiːv/

Definitions

• 1. (Verb) To lift or raise something with great effort or force.
• 2. (Verb) To throw something with a lot of effort or force.
• 3. (Verb) To produce a sigh, breath, or sound as a result of a physical or emotional reaction (e.g., to heave a sigh).
• 4. (Noun) A strong lifting or pulling motion; the action of heaving.
• 5. (Noun) The act of throwing something with force, especially from a height.

Usage Examples

• "He had to heave the heavy box over the fence."
• "With one final heave, they pushed the car up the hill."
• "She heaved a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the decision."
• "The fisherman heaved the anchor onto the ship's deck."

Etymology

The word "heave" comes from the Old English "hebban," meaning "to lift or raise." The verb form has been used since the 14th century, with the noun form developing later. Its roots trace back to Proto-Germanic *habjan, related to the Old High German "heben" (to lift) and Dutch "heffen." The word shares a common origin with words for lifting or raising in other Indo-European languages.

Synonyms

• Lift
• Raise
• Throw
• Heft
• Hoist

Antonyms

• Lower
• Drop
• Sink
• Unlift

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the word "heave" is typically pronounced with a short "e" sound, as in /hiːv/.
• In British English, some regional dialects may pronounce it with a slightly shorter "e" sound, though /hiːv/ is still standard.

Historical Usage

Historically, "heave" was commonly used in the context of maritime activities, where it referred to the lifting or throwing of heavy objects aboard ships. It was often employed in nautical expressions like "heave ho," used when sailors worked together to lift something heavy. Over time, the term became more generalized, and it is now used in various contexts, including physical labor, sports, and even emotional expressions like "heaving a sigh."

Cultural Nuances

The action of "heaving" is often associated with physical effort or exertion, particularly in manual labor or sports. In some cultures, the phrase "heave ho" (originating from sailors) is still used to encourage team effort when lifting or carrying heavy loads. "Heaving" can also metaphorically represent emotional or mental burden, as in "heaving a sigh" after a difficult or stressful situation. The cultural context of physical effort and teamwork often influences the use of this term.

More Information

The verb "heave" is an essential term in physical and emotional contexts, describing any action that involves significant lifting or exertion. Whether referring to the lifting of heavy objects or the emotional expression of a deep sigh, the term "heave" conveys a sense of effort, whether physical or mental. In maritime history, the term's nautical use reflects the collaborative nature of work on ships, where teamwork and coordination were essential. Understanding the various uses of "heave" allows for greater insight into both physical and emotional responses to force and effort.