Handful: meaning, definitions and examples
๐๏ธ
handful
[หhรฆndfสl ]
Definitions
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'handful' comes from Old English, combining 'hand' and 'full', meaning as much as the hand can hold.
- Historically, this concept quantifies not only physical items but also abstract ideas, like a handful of help or advice.
Cultural Significance
- In some cultures, a handful of rice symbolizes sustenance and blessing, reflecting the importance of food sharing.
- The phrase 'a handful of friends' often indicates quality over quantity in relationships.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in songs and poems to convey that sometimes, less is more, especially in terms of relationships.
- Famous visuals in films often depict characters expressing emotions with their hands, emphasizing small actions leading to big feelings.
Psychology
- Psychological studies suggest that the number of connections people maintain often aligns with the idea of having a handful of close relationships.
- The concept of 'mindfulness' encourages focusing on just a handful of thoughts or feelings rather than being overwhelmed by many.
Literature
- Authors frequently use 'handful' metaphorically to express abundance or scarcity, enhancing themes of loss or gratitude.
- Shakespeare used similar terms to depict the struggles and aspirations of his characters, painting vivid imagery with simple words.
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