Reading Theme:
Hand Meaning: Definitions, Examples, and Usage Guide (4 meaning)
Meaning 1：end part of the arm (hand)
hand
/hænd/
n./v.
The part at the end of your arm that you use to hold things, write, and make gestures.
end part of the arm
➕
/end pɑːrt əv ði ɑːrm/
n./v.
The part of the human body at the end of the arm, including the palm, fingers, and thumb, used for grasping and manipulation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'hand'; cognate with German 'Hand'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine your hand is the 'hand' you use to 'hand' something over. Same word, two meanings!
📖 Example
She carefully picked up the tiny seed between her hand and thumb.
She carefully picked up the tiny seed between her hand and thumb.
🔗 Collocations
by hand – done manually without machines
hand in hand – holding each other's hands
on the other hand – used to introduce a different point of view
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
foot (n.) – the body part at the end of the leg, used for standing and walking
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
From Old English 'hand'; used in idioms like 'give a hand' (help) and 'know like the back of one's hand' (know well).
Meaning 2：pass or give (hand)
hand
/hænd/
n./v.
To pass or give something to someone using your hand.
pass or give
➕
/pæs ɔːr ɡɪv/
n./v.
To transfer an object from one person to another, typically by extending the arm and opening the hand.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Could you hand me that book on the top shelf? I can't quite reach it.
Could you hand me that book on the top shelf? I can't quite reach it.
🔗 Collocations
hand over – to give something to someone, often with reluctance or officially
hand in – to submit something (e.g., homework or a report) to an authority
hand out – to distribute something to a group of people
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
Meaning 3：pointer on a clock (hand)
hand
/hænd/
n./v.
The thin moving pointer on a clock or watch that shows the time.
pointer on a clock
➕
/ˈpɔɪntər ɒn ə klɒk/
n./v.
A thin, often metal piece that rotates around a central point on a clock or watch to indicate the hour, minute, or second.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The hour hand on the old clock tower was pointing directly at the number three.
The hour hand on the old clock tower was pointing directly at the number three.
🔗 Collocations
hour hand – the shorter hand that indicates the hour
minute hand – the longer hand that indicates the minutes
second hand – the thin hand that indicates the seconds
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
handless (adj.) – without hands (e.g., a clock with no hands)
Meaning 4：skilled person (hand)
hand
/hænd/
n./v.
A person who is skilled or experienced at doing something.
skilled person
➕
/skɪld ˈpɜːrsn/
n./v.
A person who has a lot of experience or skill in a particular activity, often implying a long history of practice.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Ask Sarah for help with the camera settings; she's an old hand at photography.
Ask Sarah for help with the camera settings; she's an old hand at photography.
🔗 Collocations
old hand – a very experienced person at a particular job or activity
green hand – a novice or inexperienced person
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
handiness (n.) – skill or dexterity in using one's hands or doing practical tasks
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