hand
hand
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for the word "hand" is /hænd/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable (in this case, there's only one syllable):
h: /h/ (voiceless glottal fricative) - the sound of "h" as in "hat".
æ: /æ/ (near-open front unrounded vowel) - the vowel sound as in "cat" or "trap".
n: /n/ (alveolar nasal) - the sound of "n" as in "nap".
d: /d/ (alveolar plosive) - the sound of "d" as in "dog".
Word Form Variations
hand (singular noun)
hands (plural noun)
handed (past tense and past participle of the verb "to hand")
handing (present participle and gerund of the verb "to hand")
handy (adjective - meaning skillful or convenient)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: The part of the body at the end of the arm, below the wrist, used for grasping and manipulating objects. It typically consists of a palm, fingers, and a thumb.
Synonyms: paw (sometimes), extremity, appendage, fist (when closed)
Antonyms: (Difficult to find a direct antonym, but conceptually) torso, leg, foot
Definition: A measure of length, approximately four inches, based on the breadth of a human hand.
Synonyms: (Specific to this meaning) measure, unit
Antonyms: (Specific to this meaning) (Difficult to find a direct antonym, but conceptually) mile, kilometer
Definition: A person's handwriting or signature.
Synonyms: script, writing, signature, style
Antonyms: (Difficult to find a direct antonym, but conceptually) print, typing
Definition: A side or part; direction. (e.g., "on the one hand...on the other hand")
Synonyms: aspect, side, viewpoint, perspective
Antonyms: (Difficult to find a direct antonym, but conceptually) whole, center
Definition: A round of applause. (e.g., "give him a hand")
Synonyms: applause, ovation, cheers, acclaim
Antonyms: boos, jeers, hisses, disapproval
Definition: A playing card held by a player in a game.
Synonyms: cards, deal, holding
Antonyms: (Difficult to find a direct antonym, but conceptually) deck, discard pile
Verb:
Definition: To give or pass something to someone.
Synonyms: give, present, offer, transfer, deliver
Antonyms: take, receive, keep, hold
Definition: To assist or support. (e.g., "to hand someone a victory")
Synonyms: aid, assist, help, support, facilitate
Antonyms: hinder, obstruct, impede, sabotage
Adjective:
Definition: Convenient or useful. (e.g., "a handy tool")
Synonyms: useful, practical, convenient, helpful, serviceable
Antonyms: useless, impractical, inconvenient, unhelpful
Definition: Skillful or adept. (e.g., "handy with tools")
Synonyms: skillful, adept, dexterous, proficient, capable
Antonyms: clumsy, inept, unskilled, awkward
Adverb:
(Less common as an adverb, but could be used in some dialects)
Definition: Near; nearby. (e.g., "the store is close at hand")
Synonyms: nearby, close, readily, available
Antonyms: far, distant, remote
Examples of Use
Literature:
"He took her hand and led her through the dark forest." (Fictional example, common trope)
"Give me your hand, brother; / Live in the sunshine." (Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself")
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"The President extended a hand to striking workers, urging them to return to negotiations." (News article, political context)
"Scientists have discovered a new species of frog with unusually large hands." (Science news article)
"The artist's hand is evident in the delicate brushstrokes of the painting." (Art review)
Entertainment (Film/Television):
"Hold my hand." (Common dialogue in romantic films)
"He's got a good hand at poker." (Dialogue in a film about gambling)
"Give it a big hand for our next performer!" (Emcee's introduction)
Music:
"I want to hold your hand." (The Beatles, song title)
"Clap your hands!" (Common lyric in various songs)
General Public Discourse:
"I need a hand with these groceries." (Request for help)
"Let's shake hands." (Greeting or agreement)
"He's a handy guy to have around." (Describing someone skilled)
"The situation is getting out of hand." (Describing a situation becoming uncontrolled)
"On the one hand, we could do this, but on the other hand, it might be too risky." (Expressing different perspectives)
Social Media:
"Just finished knitting this scarf by hand!" (Social media post showcasing a craft)
"Need a hand moving this weekend. Pizza and drinks provided!" (Request for help on social media)
10 Famous Quotes Using Hand
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others — lend a hand." — Mahatma Gandhi
"Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you." — Elvis Presley
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else — give them a hand." — Booker T. Washington
"A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits and throws up his hands." — Richard Nixon
"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist." — Indira Gandhi
"Sometimes a hand on the shoulder says more than a thousand words." — Mitch Albom
"Many hands make light work." — John Heywood (Proverb)
"Life is a poker game. And everybody has to show their hand sooner or later." — Lauren Bacall
"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." — William Ross Wallace
"It is not your job to hold everyone’s hand — especially if they’re trying to slap you with it." — Brené Brown (paraphrased)
Etymology
Let's explore the origins of the word "hand." It's a very old word, tracing its roots back to Proto-Germanic, the ancestor of many Germanic languages, including English. The Proto-Germanic word was *handuz.
This word *handuz meant pretty much what "hand" means today: the grasping part of the body at the end of the arm. It's likely that this word developed from even older Indo-European roots, but those connections are more speculative.
The first known use of "hand" in written English appears in Old English, around the 8th century. At that time, it was spelled "hond" or "hand," and it already had the same basic meaning we use today. So, even from the earliest records, "hand" has consistently referred to that essential part of our bodies we use for grasping, holding, and manipulating things. It's a testament to how fundamental the concept of the hand is to human experience that the word for it has remained so stable over thousands of years.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Hand
Common Phrases and Idioms:
A hand: Assistance or help (e.g., "Give me a hand with this.")
At hand: Nearby or readily available (e.g., "I keep a first-aid kit at hand.")
By hand: Done manually (e.g., "The letter was written by hand.")
Change hands: Pass from one person to another (e.g., "The antique vase changed hands several times.")
Close at hand: Near or easily accessible (e.g., "Help is close at hand.")
Get out of hand: Become uncontrolled (e.g., "The party got out of hand.")
Give someone a hand: Help someone (e.g., "Give me a hand with these boxes.")
Hand in hand: Together or in cooperation (e.g., "They worked hand in hand.")
Hand over: Give something to someone (e.g., "Hand over the keys.")
Hands down: Without a doubt (e.g., "She won hands down.")
In hand: Under control or being dealt with (e.g., "The situation is in hand.")
On hand: Available (e.g., "We have plenty of supplies on hand.")
Out of hand: Uncontrolled (e.g., "The situation is getting out of hand.")
Shake hands: Greet someone by grasping their hand (e.g., "They shook hands to seal the deal.")
Show of hands: A vote by raising hands (e.g., "Let's have a show of hands.")
Tie someone's hands: Restrict someone's ability to act (e.g., "Regulations tie our hands.")
Up your sleeve: A secret plan or resource (e.g., "He has a few tricks up his sleeve.")
Lesser-Known/Original Phrases:
Hand-me-down: A piece of clothing or other item that has been passed down from one person to another.
Heavy-handed: Using excessive force or authority.
Light-handed: Gentle or delicate in handling something.
Clean hands: To be innocent or free from guilt.
Dirty hands: To be involved in something dishonest or illegal.
Phrases with Synonyms (for similar effect):
Instead of "Give me a hand," you could say "Give me some help."
Instead of "Out of hand," you could say "Out of control."
Instead of "Hands down," you could say "Without a doubt."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of hand from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
