Handiest: meaning, definitions and examples

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handiest

 

[ ˈhændiːst ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

most useful

The term 'handiest' describes something that is convenient, easy to use, or readily available for practical purposes. It is often used to indicate that a particular object or tool provides the greatest utility in a given situation. The word can also imply that it is the most accessible option among several alternatives. This term is frequently applied to tools, devices, or features that enhance efficiency or simplify tasks.

Synonyms

most accessible, most convenient, most practical, most useful.

Examples of usage

  • This pocketknife is the handiest tool for camping.
  • Among all the apps, this one is the handiest for organizing tasks.
  • He has the handiest gadgets in his workshop.
  • This book offers the handiest tips for cooking.

Translations

Translations of the word "handiest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 mais prático

🇮🇳 सबसे सुविधाजनक

🇩🇪 am praktischsten

🇮🇩 paling praktis

🇺🇦 найзручніший

🇵🇱 najwygodniejszy

🇯🇵 最も便利な

🇫🇷 le plus pratique

🇪🇸 el más práctico

🇹🇷 en pratik

🇰🇷 가장 편리한

🇸🇦 الأكثر ملاءمة

🇨🇿 nejpraktitější

🇸🇰 najpraktickejší

🇨🇳 最实用的

🇸🇮 najbolj praktičen

🇮🇸 þægilegastur

🇰🇿 ең ыңғайлы

🇬🇪 ყველაზე მოსახერხებელი

🇦🇿 ən uyğun

🇲🇽 el más práctico

Etymology

The word 'handy' originates from the Old English 'handig,' which means 'near at hand' or 'able to be used by the hand.' The adjective 'handy' began to be used in the sense of being useful, convenient, or skillful in handling tools and tasks. The superlative form 'handiest' evolved from this base, with the addition of the '-est' suffix to indicate the highest degree of the quality. Throughout its history, 'handy' has retained connotations of manual skill and utility, often relating to items or skills that improve the ease of performing tasks. By the 19th century, 'handy' was firmly established in the English language as an adjective to describe practical usefulness, and its superlative 'handiest' became common in everyday vernacular.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,337, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.