Handed

Part of Speech: Adjective, Verb (past tense of "hand")

Pronunciation: /ˈhandəd/

Definitions

• 1. (Adjective) Having a specified number or type of hands; used to describe something that is designed for or related to the use of hands.
• 2. (Adjective) (Of a person) having a preference for or skill in using one hand more than the other, e.g., left-handed or right-handed.
• 3. (Verb - Past tense) To give or pass something to someone, typically with the hands.

Usage Examples

• "She is left-handed and writes with her left hand."
• "He handed the letter to the secretary with a smile."
• "The right-handed batter struck the ball out of the park."

Etymology

The word "handed" comes from the verb "hand," which originated from Old English "handian," meaning to give or handle. The suffix "-ed" indicates the past tense form of the verb. The adjective usage, referring to preference or skill in using hands, dates back to the early 17th century. The concept of left-handedness and right-handedness has been around for centuries, with references to it found in many languages and cultures.

Synonyms

• Passed
• Delivered
• Presented
• Transferred

Antonyms

• Held
• Kept
• Retained

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, "handed" is pronounced with a soft "d" at the end, as /ˈhandəd/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar but might slightly emphasize the "a" sound, /ˈhændəd/.

Historical Usage

Historically, the word "handed" has been used in the context of passing or giving something, particularly during the 14th century in England. The concept of left- and right-handedness has been noted in medical texts dating back to ancient Greece, with Aristotle noting that right-handedness was considered the natural state. Over time, the word "handed" has evolved to indicate not just the act of giving but also the physical or cognitive orientation of the hands.

Cultural Nuances

The cultural implications of being "left-handed" or "right-handed" are significant in many societies. Right-handedness has often been considered the "normal" or superior trait, with left-handed people historically facing social stigma and discrimination. This distinction is also present in language, where many idiomatic expressions emphasize the "right hand" as a symbol of power and authority, while the "left hand" was often associated with negative connotations.

More Information

The word "handed" is closely linked to the physical and metaphorical use of hands. In addition to its use in describing handedness (left or right), it is employed in phrases such as "one-handed," "two-handed," and "right-handed." Handedness in humans is determined by the dominant hand, which tends to be stronger or more skilled. The preference for using one hand over the other has been the subject of various studies in fields like psychology, neurology, and even anthropology.