Reading Theme:
Holding Hands: Meaning, Benefits & Usage
Meaning 1：clasp hands together (Holding hands)
Holding hands
/ˈhoʊldɪŋ hændz/
n. phr.
Two people having their hands clasped together, often to show affection, comfort, unity, or to guide each other.
clasp hands together
➕
/klæsp hændz təˈɡɛðər/
n. phr.
The gesture of two people gripping each other's hands, typically to express affection, comfort, or unity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'healdan' (to hold) + 'hand' (hand).
💡 Mnemonic
Two hands meet like puzzle pieces; remember 'hold' + 'hand' = unity.
📖 Example
The little boy felt safe holding hands with his grandpa while walking in the park.
The little boy felt safe holding hands with his grandpa while walking in the park.
🔗 Collocations
walk hand in hand – to walk while holding each other's hand
hold someone's hand – to grasp another person's hand in one's own
clasp hands tightly – to grip each other's hands firmly
🔄 Synonyms
handclasp (n.) – An act of grasping someone's hand, often as a greeting or sign of solidarity.
intertwined fingers (n. phr.) – Fingers laced together between two people's hands.
palm-to-palm contact (n. phr.) – The touching of two people's palms, typically while holding hands.
🚫 Antonyms
let go (v. phr.) – To release one's grip on another's hand.
separate hands (v. phr.) – To move one's hand away from the other person's hand.
unclasp (v.) – To open or release the grasp of hands.
🌱 Derivatives
hand-holding (n.) – The activity or gesture of holding hands.
handholder (n.) – A person who holds hands with another.
📖 Cultural Story
Holding hands as a gesture of trust dates back to ancient times. In medieval Europe, it symbolized a pledge of troth. Today, it remains a universal sign of affection across cultures.
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