Highhanded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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highhanded
[haษชหhรฆndษชd ]
Definition
behavioral attitude
Highhanded refers to a manner of doing things that is domineering or arrogant. It often describes actions taken without consideration for othersโ feelings or opinions. A highhanded approach can alienate people and create resentment, as it typically involves using power unwisely or carelessly. This term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of empathy in decision-making.
Synonyms
arrogant, domineering, imperious, overbearing, pretentious.
Examples of usage
- The manager's highhanded decisions alienated the team.
- Her highhanded attitude made negotiations difficult.
- He was criticized for his highhanded approach to leadership.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- In historical contexts, rulers often exhibited highhanded behavior, making unilateral decisions that affected entire populations.
- The word can also reflect colonial attitudes, where colonizers often dictated terms to native populations without considering their opinions.
Literature
- Various authors use the term to criticize authority figures in works that challenge power dynamics, such as in Shakespeare's plays.
- The concept appears in novels discussing social justice, where characters resist or confront highhanded authorities.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, highhanded characters often become villains who disregard the feelings and voices of others.
- The term has been referenced in songs to describe the frustration with leaders who impose decisions on their followers.
Psychology
- Highhanded behavior can lead to resentment and resistance, causing breakdowns in relationships, whether personal or professional.
- People working under highhanded authority might feel undervalued, impacting their motivation and mental health.
Origin of 'highhanded'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'highhanded' comes from combining 'high', meaning lofty or elevated, with 'handed', relating to actions.
- It has been used since the late 17th century to describe someone acting arrogantly or taking undue authority.
The word 'highhanded' dates back to the late 17th century and is believed to be a compound of 'high' and 'handed'. The 'high' component suggests an elevated or superior position, while 'handed' hints at the manner in which actions are carried out. It implies a disregard for equality or fairness, characteristic of those who feel entitled to act above others. Over time, 'highhanded' has been used in various contexts to indicate not only social and political dominance but also interpersonal relationships where empathy is lacking. Its negative implication has persisted, and it remains relevant in discussions about leadership styles and authority.