Handful

Definition

Handful refers to a quantity that fills the hand, or to a small number of people or things.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhændfʊl/
• Respelling: HAND-ful (with "HAND" as in "hand" and "ful" as in "full")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhændfʊl/
• Respelling: HAND-ful (with "HAND" as in "hand" and "ful" as in "full")

In both dialects, "handful" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HAND." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HAND-ful."

Etymology

The term "handful" originates from the combination of the words "hand" and "full", which literally means "as much as the hand will hold". Its usage in English dates back to before the 12th century.

Derivatives

• Handfully
• Handfulness

Synonyms

• Few
• Smattering
• Small number

Antonyms

• Abundance
• Plethora
• Many

Usage

The term "handful" is commonly used to describe both a literal and figurative small quantity. In a literal sense, it refers to the physical capacity of a hand to hold something. Figuratively, it often characterizes a person or situation that requires significant attention or effort to manage.

Related Terms

• Pinch
• Fistful
• Cluster
• Batch
• Group

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Literal Amount: The quantity that can be held in one hand.
  • Example: She grabbed a handful of candy from the jar.

• Small Number or Quantity: A small amount or number of something.
  • Example: Only a handful of people attended the meeting.

• Difficult Person or Situation: A person or situation that is challenging to manage or deal with.
  • Example: The new puppy is quite a handful, always getting into trouble.