0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Hand

hænd
Very common
~ 1800
~ 1800, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Part of the body at the end of the arm, including the fingers and thumb, A pointer on a clock or watch indicating the time, To give or pass something to someone, A round of applause or approval

Hand - Meanings

Part of the body at the end of the arm, including the fingers and thumb

Example: She held the pen in her hand.
Usage: formalContext: medical or scientific discussions, everyday conversations
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'hand'.

A pointer on a clock or watch indicating the time

Example: The small hand is pointing to the 3, and the big hand is on the 12.
Usage: formalContext: discussing time, clock-related conversations
Note: This meaning is specific to time-telling devices.

To give or pass something to someone

Example: Can you hand me that book?
Usage: informalContext: everyday interactions, informal settings
Note: This meaning is often used in informal contexts when passing objects.

A round of applause or approval

Example: Let's give her a big hand for her performance!
Usage: formalContext: public speaking, performances
Note: This meaning is figurative and not related to the physical body part.

Hand's synonyms

palm

The palm refers to the inner part of the hand between the wrist and fingers.
Example: She held the coin in the palm of her hand.
Note: While 'hand' is a general term for the entire part at the end of the arm, 'palm' specifically refers to the inner surface of the hand.

mitt

A mitt is a type of glove used for catching or holding objects.
Example: He caught the ball with his mitt.
Note: Unlike 'hand,' which refers to the body part, 'mitt' specifically refers to a glove or mitten used on the hand.

fist

A fist is a closed hand with the fingers curled into the palm.
Example: He clenched his fist in anger.
Note: While 'hand' is a general term for the entire part at the end of the arm, 'fist' specifically refers to a hand with the fingers clenched.

paw

A paw is the foot of an animal, especially a quadruped, with claws or nails.
Example: The dog used its paw to scratch at the door.
Note: Unlike 'hand,' which typically refers to the human body part, 'paw' specifically refers to the foot of an animal.

Hand expressions, common phrases

Give someone a hand

To help someone with a task or problem.
Example: Can you give me a hand with this heavy box?
Note: The phrase 'give a hand' implies assisting or aiding someone.

On the other hand

Used to introduce an alternative point of view or contrasting idea.
Example: I want to go out tonight. On the other hand, I'm really tired.
Note: This idiom is figurative and does not refer to a literal hand.

Have a hand in

To be involved or responsible for something.
Example: She had a hand in organizing the event.
Note: The phrase 'have a hand in' indicates participation in an activity.

Hands down

Without a doubt; unquestionably.
Example: She is hands down the best singer in the competition.
Note: The term 'hands down' is an expression of superiority or certainty.

Firsthand

Directly experienced or obtained from the original source.
Example: I heard about the accident firsthand from the witness.
Note: The word 'firsthand' emphasizes direct experience or information.

Hand in hand

Closely connected or working together.
Example: Hard work and perseverance go hand in hand for success.
Note: The phrase 'hand in hand' conveys a close relationship or collaboration.

Take matters into your own hands

To take control or responsibility for a situation.
Example: If the boss doesn't act, we'll have to take matters into our own hands.
Note: The idiom 'take matters into your own hands' suggests taking action independently.

Caught red-handed

To be apprehended in the act of committing a crime or wrongdoing.
Example: He was caught red-handed stealing money from the cash register.
Note: Being 'caught red-handed' implies being caught in the midst of a prohibited act.

Hand everyday (slang) expressions

Handy

Handy means useful, convenient, or easy to use.
Example: Having a toolbox could be really handy when things break around the house.
Note: The term 'handy' is informal and slangy compared to the word 'useful'.

Hands-on

Hands-on means actively involved in something, practical, or direct interaction.
Example: I prefer a hands-on approach to learning by doing experiments and projects.
Note: The slang term 'hands-on' implies direct involvement or physical engagement.

Handle

Handle means to deal with, manage, or take care of something.
Example: Let me handle the negotiations for the contract.
Note: In informal spoken language, 'handle' is often used instead of 'deal with'.

Handout

A handout is a document or piece of information given to a group of people.
Example: The teacher gave us a handout with all the information for the upcoming exam.
Note: Informally, 'handout' is used for materials distributed in class rather than 'document'.

Hands tied

Having your hands tied means being unable to do something due to circumstances or limitations.
Example: I wish I could help, but my hands are tied right now with this project.
Note: This slang term is figurative and not to be taken literally as having physical hands tied.

Handshake

A handshake is a physical greeting involving clasping and shaking hands.
Example: They sealed the deal with a handshake to show their agreement.
Note: Informally, 'handshake' can imply an agreement or deal being made and confirmed.

Handlebars

Handlebars are the bars on a bike or vehicle that you hold onto to control its direction.
Example: He gripped the handlebars tightly as he rode his bike down the hill.
Note: In spoken language, 'handlebars' is used more casually rather than 'bars for steering'.

Hand - Examples

His hand was shaking.
She grabbed the handle of the door.
He clenched his fist in anger.

Hand grammar

Hand - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: hand
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): hands
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): hand
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): handed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): handing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): hands
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): hand
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): hand
Syllables, Separation and Stress
hand Contains 1 syllables: hand
Phonetic transcription: ˈhand
hand , ˈhand (The red syllable is stressed)

Hand - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
hand: ~ 1800 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.