hand
noun (countable)
UKhændUShænd
the part of the body at the end of the arm, including the fingers and thumb; a person’s power, responsibility, or help (in certain contexts)
Example Sentences
She raised her hand to ask a question during the lecture.
His left hand was injured, so he had trouble writing for a few days.
Could you please give me a hand carrying these boxes to the car?
He offered his hand to help her up from the chair.
They admired the artist’s steady hand in creating such intricate details.
Please wash your hands before dinner to maintain good hygiene.
When negotiating a contract, having a strong hand often means having crucial leverage or information, enabling you to reach more favorable terms.
In times of crisis, a helping hand can restore hope and unity, reminding us that compassion and cooperation are powerful forces that bring people together.
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Synonyms
verb (transitive)
UKhændUShænd
to give, pass, or offer something to someone
Example Sentences
Could you hand me that book from the top shelf?
She asked her assistant to hand the documents to the manager.
I’ll hand the keys over to you after I park the car.
Please hand this form in to the receptionist when you arrive.
He wants to hand out flyers at the event to spread awareness.
Make sure to hand back the borrowed items before the due date.
When you hand someone an opportunity, you empower them to discover new horizons and unlock potential they may have never realized.
She was proud to hand the award to her best friend, recognizing the hard work and dedication that led to such an outstanding achievement.
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How to Use
A body part or a verb meaning to give, assist, or perform tasks.“Hand” serves as both a noun and a verb, covering a range of everyday uses. As a noun, it refers to the extremity at the end of your arm, enabling you to grip, hold, and manipulate objects with precision. This is indispensable in countless daily activities, such as writing, cooking, or driving. In figurative language, “hand” can represent guidance or control—“He took the situation into his own hands.” As a verb, “to hand” means to pass or give something to someone, typically in a direct, straightforward way—“Could you hand me the keys?” This simple act of transfer often shows courtesy, assistance, or cooperation. In formal writing, “hand” might appear when detailing procedures—“Hand the official documents to the notary.” In more casual contexts, it’s common to see phrases like “lend a hand,” meaning to help out. Because it’s short and universally recognized, “hand” fits seamlessly into both spoken and written language, expressing ideas about physical interaction, control, or the act of giving. By pairing “hand” with context—like “helping hand” or “to hand out flyers”—you sharpen your message and underscore the specific manner in which something is done or offered.
Alternatives
Depending on the situation, several words and phrases can replace or complement “hand.” For describing a body part, “palm,” “fingers,” or “grip” might focus on a specific function or action. If you need to convey the act of giving, you could opt for “deliver,” “pass,” or “extend,” each carrying a slightly different tone—“deliver” can sound more formal, “pass” more casual, and “extend” connotes politeness. For offering help, “assist,” “support,” or “aid” can shift the focus from a physical hand to the broader concept of helping. Meanwhile, idiomatic alternatives like “reach out” place more emphasis on initiating contact or offering emotional support. If you need a noun to describe a group effort, “crew” or “workforce” might be suitable, rather than referring to the number of “hands” available. Finally, in contexts discussing power or responsibility, consider words like “control,” “authority,” or “charge” instead of “hand,” to clarify who holds decision-making power. By selecting vocabulary that zeroes in on the nuance of your scenario—physical transfer, help, or authority—you ensure your meaning stands out. Whether formal or colloquial, these alternatives help highlight the distinct roles a “hand” can play without overusing the same term repeatedly.
Writing
In writing, be it academic, creative, or professional, “hand” offers concise imagery and immediate clarity. It’s familiar across all reading levels—everyone knows what a hand is or does. Still, selecting the right form of “hand” and providing context can elevate your text. If you’re portraying a gesture or describing physical interaction, adding specific details—“She handed him the blueprint with an anxious expression”—paints a fuller picture than simply “She handed him the blueprint.” Metaphors like “take matters into your own hands” can deliver narrative tension or underscore character agency. For formal documents, “hand” can direct procedural steps—“Kindly hand over all receipts by Friday”—but may benefit from more precise verbs like “submit” if you need a professional tone. Avoid leaning on “hand” too heavily by swapping in synonyms or expanding descriptions where needed: “He placed the file on her desk” or “She extended the folder.” Such variety keeps your prose engaging. Overall, “hand” is an excellent go-to for clarity, but purposeful variation ensures readability and precision, showing you’ve weighed each word’s impact in your writing.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “hand” is straightforward and extremely versatile. You might say, “Could you hand me the remote?” when relaxing at home, or offer assistance with “Need a hand carrying those boxes?” In social settings, phrases like “Let’s give them a hand!” prompt applause or congratulations, reflecting friendly support. Phrasal verbs such as “hand out” or “hand over” convey quick, informal actions—“I’ll hand out the flyers, and you can talk to people.” If you’re hanging out with friends, it’s common to hear casual remarks like “Lend me a hand here,” gently requesting help without sounding demanding. Furthermore, “hand” suits idiomatic expressions like “I know this place like the back of my hand,” implying deep familiarity. For more playful variations, swap in synonyms like “pass” or “send over”—“Could you pass me the ketchup?” This small change can keep conversation lively but isn’t necessary. Ultimately, “hand” is an easy, friendly term that captures basic acts of giving, helping, and physical interaction, making it a staple in casual chats, daily routines, and quick errands alike. It lets you communicate essential, everyday actions without fuss, reinforcing a comfortable, familiar tone in social contexts.
Etymology
The word “hand” comes directly from Old English “hond” or “hand,” closely tied to Germanic and Proto-Germanic roots, where it carried essentially the same meaning. Over centuries, its form and function have stayed remarkably stable, pointing to how fundamental this concept is across cultures. In ancient societies, the hand was an emblem of power, skill, and cooperation: from crafting tools to forging alliances with a handshake. Medieval texts, for instance, use “hand” to denote fealty and service—lords might pledge a “helping hand” to their king, or vice versa. As English developed, “hand” expanded beyond physical references, giving rise to idioms like “at hand” (meaning nearby or imminent) and “to have a hand in something” (implying involvement). Seafaring communities used “hand” to refer to crew members—“all hands on deck.” Modern usage also embraces “hand” in technology, as we “hand over” data or responsibilities in digital processes. Its evolving lexical presence shows a deep cultural reliance on the concept of support, skill, and exchange, all rooted in the physical act of using one’s hands. From shaking hands in a friendly greeting to lending a hand in volunteer work, the word maintains a timeless, universal resonance reflecting cooperation and capability.