Handful: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
handful
[ หhรฆndfสl ]
in cooking
A small quantity or amount of something, typically food, that can be held in one hand.
Synonyms
a bit, a few, small amount.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| handful |
Use 'handful' when referring to a small quantity that can be held in one hand or managing few things or people with difficulty. Often implies the quantity is manageable but not necessarily precise.
|
| small amount |
Use 'small amount' when referring to a minor quantity, often used in more formal or technical contexts when precision is needed.
|
| a few |
Use 'a few' when referring to a small number countable items. It's generally more than one or two but still a small quantity.
|
| a bit |
Use 'a bit' when referring to a small or slight amount, often in an informal context. This phrase is versatile and can describe time, quantity, or degree.
|
Examples of usage
- A handful of nuts is a healthy snack option.
- She measured out a handful of rice for the recipe.
- I only need a handful of chocolate chips for the cookies.
- We picked a handful of berries from the garden.
- He grabbed a handful of popcorn to munch on during the movie.
general
A small number or group of people or things.
Synonyms
a few individuals, limited number, small group.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| handful |
Use this when describing a small quantity that might be just a bit more than a few but still manageably small. Can also imply a group that is somewhat difficult to handle.
|
| small group |
Use this to describe a small collection of people or things, often implying close association or camaraderie.
|
| a few individuals |
This is best for referring specifically to a small number of people, usually within a larger group or context.
|
| limited number |
This phrase works well when emphasizing that there is a restricted or controlled quantity, often in more formal or informational contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- There were only a handful of people at the meeting.
- She was one of a handful of students who passed the exam.
- Just a handful of countries have access to this technology.
- The team consists of a handful of dedicated individuals.
- The company employs only a handful of staff members.
Translations
Translations of the word "handful" in other languages:
๐ต๐น punhado
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคเฅเค เฅ เคญเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Handvoll
๐ฎ๐ฉ segelintir
๐บ๐ฆ ะถะผะตะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ garลฤ
๐ฏ๐ต ไธๆกใ (hitonigiri)
๐ซ๐ท poignรฉe
๐ช๐ธ puรฑado
๐น๐ท avuรง dolusu
๐ฐ๐ท ํ ์ํผ (han umkeum)
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ hrst
๐ธ๐ฐ hลstka
๐จ๐ณ ไธๆ (yฤซ bว)
๐ธ๐ฎ peลกฤica
๐ฎ๐ธ handfylli
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฑัั ััั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแญแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ bir ovuc
๐ฒ๐ฝ puรฑado
Etymology
The word 'handful' originated in the Middle English period, derived from the combination of 'hand' and 'full.' It has been used since the 14th century to refer to a small quantity that can be held in one hand. Over time, the term has also come to describe a small group of people or things. 'Handful' remains a common and versatile word in the English language, used in various contexts to convey the idea of a limited or compact amount.
See also: backhand, deckhand, forehand, hand, handbag, handball, handbook, handbreadth, handcrafted, handcrafting, handcuffs, handgun, handheld, handicap, handicapped, handily, handiwork, handkerchief, handle, handled, handler, handles, handling, handmade, handmake, handover, handpicked, handrail, hands, handwarmer, handwear, handwriting, handy, handycam, handyman, handyperson, offhand, openhandedly, shorthand.