Is "heartfelt" reserved for sad moments, or can it be used for happy ones?

Question

I'm writing an email about something nice (a newborn child), and was about to use the word "heartfelt". Just then, I noticed I may have heard the word almost exclusively in the context of a sad situation (condolence).

Is there a good reason for my hesitation, or is "heartfelt" appropriate in either situation? If not, what's a better choice of a word? How about "heartily"?

MrHen · Accepted Answer

"Heartfelt" can be used to express positive feelings:

Her joy was truly heartfelt!
You have our heartfelt thanks.

But it is most commonly associated with sorrow or grief. When in doubt, choose a different word.

Barrie England · Answer

You may well be right. Sincere would be a neutral alternative.

Ramani Chandrashekhar Iyer · Answer

Heartfelt is most appropriately a connotation to show the state of mind whether it is joy extremely felt or a sorrow moment of grief. It is a state of mind how mind accepts the reaction.

Is "heartfelt" reserved for sad moments, or can it be used for happy ones?

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