hand
Old Englishhand, the end part of the arm
About This Root
From Old English hand (the hand), from Proto-Germanic *handuz. A native Germanic root that forms dozens of compounds by combining with other words: tools (handle, handcart), actions (handwriting, handcraft), and figurative uses (handful, offhand, beforehand). Handsome originally meant 'easy to handle.'
Associated Words · 23
hand
the body part at the end of the arm; to pass something to someone
handle
To manage or deal with something; the part of an object held by the hand
handful
A small number or amount; the quantity a hand can hold
handsome
Attractive and good-looking; generous or considerable
handy
Useful and easy to use; conveniently nearby
handkerchief
A small square cloth for wiping the face or nose
handwriting
Writing done by hand; a person's characteristic style of writing
beforehand
In advance; at an earlier time
handbag
A small bag carried by hand, especially by women
handout
A free printed sheet; money or goods given to those in need
handbook
A concise reference book on a particular subject
shorthand
A rapid writing system using symbols; an abbreviated method
handcrafted
Made by hand rather than by machine
offhand
Without preparation or forethought; casually inconsiderate
handicraft
A skilled trade or craft done by hand; a handmade object
handball
A team sport where players throw a ball into the opposing goal
backhanded
Done with the back of the hand; indirect or sarcastic
handedness
A preference for using one hand over the other
evenhanded
Fair and impartial; treating everyone equally
handtruck
A small two-wheeled cart for moving heavy loads
handling
The way something is managed, operated, or physically moved
hands-on
Involving direct, active participation
heavy-handedness
The quality of being overly forceful or lacking subtlety