handy
HAN-dee
Handy (adj) means Convenient and useful; easy to use. Example: “A torch is handy to have in the kitchen drawer.”
adj
1
Convenient and useful; easy to use.
"A torch is handy to have in the kitchen drawer."
"This little gadget is really handy for opening jars."
"Keep a first-aid kit handy in the car."
2
Skilled at using one's hands to make or fix things.
"My grandfather was handy with tools and built our shed himself."
"Are you handy enough to put this wardrobe together without any help?"
"He's pretty handy, so he fixed the leaky faucet himself."
How to use handy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUseful and convenient, or good at practical tasks with your hands.
Common pairings
come in handy
handy tool
handy with tools
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Word forms
- Plural
- handies
- Comparative
- handier
- Superlative
- handiest
Fill the gap
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A torch is _____ to have in the kitchen drawer.
Etymology
From Old English hendiġ ("skillful"), related to "hand."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for handy
See all rhymes for handy →Frequently asked questions
What does “handy” mean?
The word “handy” means convenient and useful; easy to use. In plain terms, useful and convenient, or good at practical tasks with your hands.
How do you pronounce “handy”?
“Handy” is pronounced HAN-dee (/ˈhæn.di/ in IPA).
How do you use “handy” in a sentence?
Here is “handy” used in a sentence: “This little gadget is really handy for opening jars.”
What is the opposite of “handy”?
The opposite of “handy” — its antonyms — is awkward.
What part of speech is “handy”?
“Handy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “handy” come from?
The word “handy” comes from Old English. From Old English hendiġ ("skillful"), related to "hand.".
Is “handy” a common word?
“Handy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “handy” have?
“Handy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: convenient and useful; easy to use.
What is the difference between handy and useful?
Both describe something helpful, but handy stresses convenience and ease of use — something close at hand or simple to operate. Useful is broader and can describe anything that serves a purpose, even if it is not especially convenient or quick to reach.
Is handy a formal or informal word?
Handy is fairly informal and conversational, common in everyday speech and writing. In formal contexts, words such as convenient, useful, or practical are often preferred.
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