Use heft as a noun to describe the satisfying physical weight of something substantial: 'the heft of a good tool'. It implies density and solidity rather than mere heaviness.
Use heft as a noun to describe the satisfying physical weight of something substantial: 'the heft of a good tool'. It implies density and solidity rather than mere heaviness.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The package has a heft of 5 kilograms. | The package weighs 5 kilograms. (heft is not used with precise measurements) |
The figurative use of heft is common in journalism and business writing: 'the company's financial heft', 'political heft', 'intellectual heft'. It implies an ability to make an impact.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| The company has heft because it has many employees. | The company has heft because it controls a third of the market. |
Use heft as a verb when emphasising the physical effort of lifting or the act of judging weight by lifting: 'she hefted the bag onto her shoulder'. It is more vivid than 'lift' and implies some exertion.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| She hefted with difficulty. | She hefted the crate with difficulty. |
Use heft to describe solid, satisfying physical weight, or to convey figurative influence and power. The verb 'to heft' suggests lifting with visible effort. Avoid heft for precise measurements — use 'weight' or 'mass' instead.
Do not use heft with precise measurements ('a heft of 5 kg' is wrong — say 'weighs 5 kg'). The verb always takes a direct object. In formal writing, prefer 'lift' or 'influence' over the noun or verb forms.
From Middle English heft, related to Old English hebban ('to heave, lift') and the Germanic root behind heave. The -ft suffix creates a noun of result or instrument, as in drift (from drive) and shift (from shove). Attested in English from the 16th century; the figurative sense of 'influence or weight' developed in American English during the 20th century.
What does heft mean?
As a noun, heft means the physical weight or heaviness of something as you hold it ('the heft of a hammer'), or figurative power and influence ('political heft'). As a verb, it means to lift something heavy, especially to judge its weight.
What is the difference between heft and weight?
Weight is a precise, measurable quantity. Heft is a felt, qualitative sensation of heaviness — you cannot say 'a heft of 5 kilograms'. Heft also carries a connotation of satisfying solidity that weight does not.
What does 'political heft' mean?
'Political heft' means substantial political power or influence — the ability to make things happen in the political sphere. It is a figurative extension of the physical meaning.
How do you use heft as a verb?
To heft something is to lift or carry it with noticeable effort: 'she hefted the box onto the shelf'. It always takes a direct object and implies physical exertion.
What is the origin of heft?
Heft comes from Middle English, related to Old English hebban ('to heave, lift'). The -ft suffix creates a noun from a verb of lifting, similar to how 'drift' comes from 'drive'.