Done without much enthusiasm or energy; showing a lack of sincere effort or commitment.
From 'half' + 'hearted' + '-ly'. The phrase 'half-hearted' emerged in the 1600s, combining 'half' with 'hearted' (from Old English 'heorte') to suggest incomplete emotional engagement. The adverb form adds '-ly' to describe actions performed in this lukewarm manner.
The metaphor of a 'half heart' is fascinating—our ancestors literally thought emotions lived in the heart, so being 'half-hearted' meant your heart was only partially in it. This phrase perfectly captures how language embodies ancient beliefs about where feelings come from.
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