Highhandedly: meaning, definitions and examples
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highhandedly
[haɪˈhændɪdli ]
Definition
behavioral attitude
Highhandedly refers to acting in a domineering or overbearing manner, often disregarding the opinions or rights of others. It implies a sense of arrogance or authority, where someone imposes their will or decisions without concern for others. This term is often used to describe actions that are inconsiderate or overly authoritative. It can be seen in situations where a person makes unilateral decisions that affect a group of people, showcasing a lack of collaboration or respect.
Synonyms
arrogantly, domineeringly, overbearingly.
Examples of usage
- She highhandedly dismissed the committee's suggestions.
- He highhandedly enforced his rules without any discussion.
- The manager highhandedly decided to cut the team's budget.
- They highhandedly took charge of the project, ignoring their colleagues' input.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term combines 'high', meaning above or superior, and 'hand', referring to control or action.
- It has roots in the Middle English word 'highhand', used to describe someone acting with pride or arrogance.
- Originally, it had connotations of superiority in a social context, indicating someone had more power.
Historical Usage
- Documented use dates back to the 15th century, often used in legal or formal contexts.
- Historically, it described monarchs or leaders who made decisions without input from others.
- In literature, characters portrayed as highhanded often serve as antagonists, highlighting their unkind behavior.
Cultural Perspectives
- In certain cultures, highhandedness is viewed negatively, emphasizing the importance of community input and respect for others.
- Conversely, in other contexts, strong leadership can be seen as necessary, where being highhanded might be tolerated.
- The term often appears in discussions about leadership styles, contrasting with collaborative or democratic approaches.
Psychology
- People who act highhandedly may feel insecure and believe they need to assert dominance to gain respect.
- Research shows that highhanded behavior can lead to resistance and a lack of trust from others.
- Highhandedness can trigger feelings of frustration or resentment, affecting group dynamics and teamwork.
Literature
- Highhanded characters often create conflict, serving as a tool for authors to explore themes of power and authority.
- In many classic novels, protagonists often confront highhanded figures, illustrating the struggle against oppression.
- The theme of highhandedness can symbolize broader societal issues, reflecting critiques of authority in literature.
Translations
Translations of the word "highhandedly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 arrogantemente
🇮🇳 हाथ से
🇩🇪 hochmütig
🇮🇩 dengan angkuh
🇺🇦 високомірно
🇵🇱 arogancko
🇯🇵 高圧的に
🇫🇷 de manière hautaine
🇪🇸 arrogantemente
🇹🇷 kibirli bir şekilde
🇰🇷 오만하게
🇸🇦 بغرور
🇨🇿 arogantně
🇸🇰 arogantne
🇨🇳 傲慢地
🇸🇮 arogantno
🇮🇸 yfirlætislega
🇰🇿 өзінше
🇬🇪 გამოწვდილი
🇦🇿 müdrik bir şəkildə
🇲🇽 arrogantemente
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #42,980, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.