Underhand: meaning, definitions and examples

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underhand

 

[ หˆสŒndษ™rหŒhรฆnd ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

deceptive actions

The term 'underhand' refers to actions that are done in a secretive, deceitful, or dishonest manner. It can describe behavior that is intended to manipulate or deceive others, often without their knowledge.

Synonyms

covert, deceitful, dishonest, sly.

Examples of usage

  • He used underhand tactics to win the competition.
  • The underhand approach in negotiations raised suspicions.
  • They executed an underhand scheme to take over the business.
Context #2 | Adverb

throwing style

As an adverb, 'underhand' describes a throwing style where the arm is kept low and the throw is made with an upward motion from below. This technique is often used in sports like baseball or when tossing an object to avoid injury or for a specific tactical advantage.

Synonyms

beneath, low, subservient.

Examples of usage

  • She pitched the ball underhand to avoid straining her shoulder.
  • He made an underhand throw to his teammate during the game.
  • The athlete practiced his underhand skills for the tournament.

Translations

Translations of the word "underhand" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น debaixo da mรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเฅ€เคšเฅ‡ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช unter der Hand

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ dari bawah tangan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะท-ะฟั–ะด ั€ัƒะบะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ pod rฤ™kฤ…

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไธ‹ใ‹ใ‚‰ใฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sous la main

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ de manera encubierta

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท alttan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์† ์•„๋ž˜์—์„œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุญุช ุงู„ูŠุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ pod rukou

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ pod rukou

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœจๆ‰‹ไธ‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pod roko

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ undir hendi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพะป ะฐัั‚ั‹ะฝะดะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฎแƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒก แƒฅแƒ•แƒ”แƒจ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ษ™l altฤฑndan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ por debajo de la mano

Etymology

The word 'underhand' originates from the combination of 'under' and 'hand,' with 'under' indicating a position that is below or beneath something, and 'hand' referring to the physical appendage used for manipulation or handling. The term dates back to at least the 15th century, where it was used to describe actions or methods that were not straightforward or fair. Over time, it evolved to encompass the broader context of secretive or deceptive behaviors, especially in competitive environments, such as sports or business dealings. The connotation of 'underhand' has largely remained negative, depicting actions that are lacking in integrity or transparency.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,921, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.