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Deal with: meaning, definitions and examples

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deal with

[ diːl wɪð ]

Phrasal verb

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

in business

To handle or manage a situation, especially one that is difficult or problematic.

Synonyms

cope with, handle, manage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deal with	This phrase is commonly used in everyday situations when you need to address, resolve, or work on a problem, task, or person. It's versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. I have to deal with a lot of emails today. She knows how to deal with difficult customers.
handle	This word is used when referring to managing or taking control of a situation, task, or person, usually implying competence and skill. It often conveys a sense of active management or control. She knows how to handle complex projects. Can you handle this customer complaint?
manage	This word is used both in everyday and professional contexts. It refers to successfully controlling or organizing a task, situation, or team. It can imply efficiency and often indicates ongoing work or effort. He manages a team of engineers. How do you manage your time so well?
cope with	This phrase is often used in more emotional or stressful contexts. It implies that the situation is challenging and requires effort to manage. It's commonly used in discussions about stress, grief, or difficult life circumstances. He is struggling to cope with the loss of his pet. How do you cope with such a demanding job?

Examples of usage

He is very skilled at dealing with difficult clients.
I have to deal with a lot of stress in my job.
She knows how to deal with challenging situations.

^{Context #2 | Phrasal verb}

in a social context

To interact or communicate with someone, typically to resolve an issue or reach an agreement.

Synonyms

communicate with, interact with, negotiate with.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
deal with	Used when managing or addressing a specific problem, task, or situation. I had to deal with a difficult client yesterday. She knows how to deal with stressful situations effectively.
communicate with	Used when exchanging information or ideas with someone, often in a clear and effective manner. You should communicate with your team more often. We need to communicate with the suppliers to update them about the changes.
interact with	Used when describing mutual or reciprocal actions, often in social or work-related settings. Children learn a lot when they interact with one another. Doctors need to interact with patients to diagnose their conditions accurately.
negotiate with	Used when trying to reach an agreement or compromise, often in a formal or business setting. Our company is negotiating with the manufacturers to lower production costs. You have to negotiate with the landlord about the reasonable rent.

Examples of usage

I need to deal with my neighbor about the noise issue.
Let's deal with this problem together.
Can you deal with the customer complaint?

Translations

Translations of the word "deal with" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lidar com

tratar de
enfrentar

🇮🇳 से निपटना

संभालना
सामना करना

🇩🇪 umgehen mit

sich befassen mit
handeln

🇮🇩 mengatasi

menangani
berurusan dengan

🇺🇦 мати справу з

справлятися з
вирішувати

🇵🇱 radzić sobie z

zajmować się
poradzić sobie

🇯🇵 対処する (たいしょする)

扱う (あつかう)
取り組む (とりくむ)

🇫🇷 gérer

s'occuper de
traiter

🇪🇸 lidiar con

tratar con
manejar

🇹🇷 başa çıkmak

ilgilenmek
uğraşmak

🇰🇷 처리하다 (cheorihada)

다루다 (daruda)
해결하다 (haegyeolhada)

🇸🇦 التعامل مع

معالجة
التصدي

🇨🇿 vypořádat se s

zabývat se
řešit

🇸🇰 zaoberať sa

vysporiadať sa
riešiť

🇨🇳 处理 (chǔlǐ)

应付 (yìngfù)
解决 (jiějué)

🇸🇮 spoprijeti se z

obravnavati
ukvarjati se

🇮🇸 takast á við

fást við
leysa

🇰🇿 шешу

айналысу
күресу

🇬🇪 გადაწყვეტა

დაძლევა
გამკლავება

🇦🇿 mübarizə aparmaq

məşğul olmaq
həll etmək

🇲🇽 lidiar con

tratar con
manejar

Etymology

The origin of the phrase 'deal with' can be traced back to Middle English, where 'deal' meant 'to divide or distribute.' Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of managing or handling various situations. The addition of 'with' emphasizes the act of addressing or confronting something. Today, 'deal with' is commonly used in both business and social contexts to describe the act of managing, handling, or interacting with different situations or people.