hand
hand
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "hand" is /hænd/.
hand: /hænd/
Word Form Variations
Noun: hand (singular), hands (plural)
Verb: hand (base form), hands (third person singular present), handed (past tense, past participle), handing (present participle)
Adjective: hand (used attributively, e.g., "hand-made"), handed (as in "left-handed")
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Hand
The end part of a person's arm beyond the wrist, including the palm, four fingers, and a thumb.
Synonyms: palm, mitt (informal), paw (informal, often for animals)
Antonyms: foot, arm (larger limb)
A side or direction (left or right).
Synonyms: side, direction, flank
Antonyms: center, middle
Assistance or help; a helping hand.
Synonyms: help, aid, assistance, support, succor
Antonyms: hindrance, obstruction, impediment, resistance
A person who performs manual labor.
Synonyms: worker, laborer, operative, employee, crewman
Antonyms: manager, supervisor, employer, owner
The cards dealt to a player in a card game.
Synonyms: deal, pack, set (of cards)
Antonyms: deck (entire set of cards), discard pile
A large pointer on a clock or watch that indicates hours, minutes, or seconds.
Synonyms: pointer, indicator, needle
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a specific part)
Verb
Hand
To pass or give (something) to someone.
Synonyms: give, pass, deliver, present, convey
Antonyms: take, receive, seize, withhold
To help (someone) with assistance.
Synonyms: help, assist, aid, support
Antonyms: hinder, obstruct, impede
Adjective
Hand (used attributively)
Made or operated by human hands rather than by machine.
Synonyms: manual, handmade, crafted, artisanal
Antonyms: machine-made, automated, factory-made
Handed (used in compounds)
Having a hand or hands of a specified kind or number.
Examples: right-handed, left-handed, two-handed
Synonyms: dextrous, ambidextrous (related to hand use)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms for this descriptive use)
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (Anatomy/Art): Books on human anatomy detail the structure of the "hand." Art instruction books teach how to draw the human "hand" effectively (Watson-Guptill, March 2024).
Fiction: Characters might hold someone's "hand," raise a "hand" in greeting, or write something by "hand." "He reached out a comforting hand."
History Books: These often describe historical events or objects as being "hand-made" or passed "from hand to hand."
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on events where a "hand" is involved, such as a helping hand during a disaster or a protest where people "raise their hands" in solidarity. A headline might read, "Community Lends a Helping Hand After Flood" (The Daily Herald, July 2025).
Sports Sections: Reports on basketball or football describe a player's quick "hands" in catching a pass or a "strong-arm hand" in throwing.
Editorials: Columnists might argue that the government needs to take a "firmer hand" in certain policies.
Online Publications
DIY/Craft Blogs: Many blogs offer tutorials for "hand-made" crafts or tips on using "hand tools." "Learn how to create beautiful hand-painted cards."
Tech Reviews: Reviewers might discuss how a phone "fits well in the hand" or how a device is "hands-free."
Social Media: Users share photos of their "hands holding something," or post about lending a helping "hand." "Giving my friend a helping hand with moving!"
Health and Wellness Sites: Articles might advise on exercises for hand strength or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters frequently hold hands, wave their hands, or use their hands to express emotion. A character might say, "Give me your hand," or "The situation is out of my hands."
Music: Song lyrics often reference "hands" in themes of love, comfort, or action. "Take my hand, we'll make it through."
Video Games: Players use their hands to control characters. Character actions often involve using their hands to grab, interact, or fight. Some games might have "quick-time events" requiring fast hand movements.
Magic Shows: Magicians perform "sleight of hand" tricks.
Podcasts: Hosts might use "hand in hand" metaphorically to describe two concepts working together.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "Pass me that by hand," or "My hands are full." "Can you give me a hand?"
Workplace: Colleagues discuss who has "a hand in the project," or how a task is "all hands on deck." "We need all hands on deck to finish this by Friday."
Everyday Gestures: Waving a hand, shaking hands, or pointing with a hand are common gestures.
Sports: Athletes are often praised for their "good hands" in catching or handling a ball.
Figurative Use: "Hand in hand" (together), "get out of hand" (lose control), or "play into someone's hands" (unwittingly help someone) are common. "The situation is getting out of hand."
10 Quotes Using Hand
"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world." (William Ross Wallace)
"We cannot shake hands with a clenched fist." (Indira Gandhi)
"Never bite the hand that feeds you." (Common Proverb)
"A helping hand is always worth more than a thousand empty words."
"The best way to predict the future is to create it, hand in hand with your vision."
"The enduring work of art is a process, subtly shaped by the artist's own hand."
"He whose conscience is clear holds a strong hand in any argument or debate."
"Sometimes, the only true way out of a complex problem is to take matters into your own hands."
"The future of humanity rests firmly in the collective hands of its compassionate citizens."
"She learned that true strength lies not in rigid control, but in an open hand and heart."
Etymology
The word "hand" comes from the Old English word "hand," which referred directly to the end part of the arm. This word has deep roots in ancient Germanic languages, all pointing to the part of the body used for grasping and manipulating.
The first known use of "hand" in English, with the meaning of "the extremity of the arm beyond the wrist," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts referring directly to this body part. Over time, its meaning expanded to include concepts like giving help ("a helping hand"), direction ("left-hand side"), and even a worker ("farmhand").
Phrases + Idioms Containing Hand
At hand: Close by; readily available. "Help is always at hand if you need it."
By hand: Done manually, without machines. "This sweater was knitted entirely by hand."
Change hands: To pass from one owner to another. "The old house has changed hands several times."
Eat out of one's hand: To be completely submissive or obedient to someone. "He had them eating out of his hand with his charming personality."
Force one's hand: To compel someone to act sooner or in a way they did not intend. "The deadline forced his hand into making a quick decision."
Get out of hand: To become out of control. "The party got a little out of hand after midnight."
Hand in glove: Working together very closely, often secretly. "The two departments worked hand in glove on the confidential project."
Hand over fist: Making or losing money very rapidly. "The new business is making money hand over fist."
In good hands: Being managed or cared for by a capable person. "Don't worry, your pet will be in good hands."
Lend a hand: To help someone. "Could you lend a hand with these boxes?"
On hand: Available; present. "We have enough staff on hand for the event."
Out of hand: Out of control. "The situation got completely out of hand."
Show one's hand: To reveal one's plans or intentions. "It's too early to show our hand in negotiations."
Take a heavy hand: To deal with a situation severely or harshly. "The government took a heavy hand with the protestors."
To one's hand: Available for one's use. "He always keeps a tool belt close to his hand."
Upper hand: An advantage or control over someone. "She gained the upper hand in the debate."
Wash one's hands of: To disclaim responsibility for something. "He washed his hands of the entire messy affair."
With a free hand: With complete freedom to act. "The manager was given a free hand to reorganize the department."
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.
