Handful

Part of Speech: Noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhænd.fʊl/

Definitions

• 1. A quantity that can be held in one hand.
• 2. A small number or amount.
• 3. A person or thing that is difficult to manage or control.

Usage Examples

• "She grabbed a handful of nuts from the bowl."
• "Only a handful of students attended the lecture."
• "Their toddler is quite a handful to take care of."

Etymology

Derived from Old English handful, a combination of "hand" and "full," meaning "as much as can be held in the hand."

Synonyms

• Few
• Small amount
• Palmful
• Scant

Antonyms

• Plenty
• Abundance
• Heap

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the "l" sound is often pronounced more softly: /ˈhænd.fʊl/.
• In American English, it is often pronounced as /ˈhænd.fəl/.

Historical Usage

The term has been used since Old English to refer to the amount that fits in a single hand. Over time, its figurative meaning of "a small number" or "a difficult person" developed.

Cultural Nuances

The figurative use of "handful" to describe a mischievous child or a challenging situation is common in English-speaking cultures.

More Information

"Handful" is often used in idiomatic expressions, such as "a handful of trouble" to refer to a difficult person or situation. It is also commonly used when estimating small quantities.