The word "closehanded" is spelled with three syllables: /kləʊshændᵻd/. It is derived from the adjective "close," meaning tight or stingy, and the noun "hand," referring to the body part between the wrist and fingers. The phonetic transcription of "closehanded" shows us that the first syllable is stressed with a long "o" sound, while the "a" in the second syllable is weakened and pronounced as a schwa. The final syllable is unstressed and has a short "i" sound.
Closehanded is an adjective that refers to an individual who is extremely reluctant or unwilling to part with or share their money or possessions. A closehanded person is characterized by being excessively thrifty, stingy, or even miserly in their financial dealings. They demonstrate a strong inclination to hold onto their resources tightly and are often unwilling to spend or donate even when it could benefit others or themselves.
Closehandedness can manifest in various forms, such as refusing to lend money, always seeking to haggle for the lowest price, or consistently avoiding generous gestures. Closehanded individuals tend to prioritize personal gain and financial security above all else, often neglecting opportunities to be generous or compassionate.
The term "closehanded" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is reticent or cautious about sharing information, emotions, or experiences. In this context, it denotes an individual who tends to keep their feelings and thoughts guarded, sometimes making it difficult for others to truly get to know them.
Closehandedness is often regarded negatively within most cultures, as it can denote a lack of generosity, empathy, and community-mindedness. However, it is important to note that everyone has varying degrees of willingness to share or part with their belongings or emotions, and some individuals may have legitimate reasons for being closehanded, such as financial constraints or previous negative experiences.
The word "closehanded" is formed by combining two elements: "close" and "handed".
1. "Close": The word "close" is derived from the Old French word "clos", which means "enclosed" or "shut". It evolved from the Latin word "clausus", meaning "shut" or "closed". In its figurative sense, "close" has a meaning of being tight-fisted, frugal, or unwilling to spend money.
2. "Handed": The word "handed" refers to having a specific type of hand. In this context, it generally refers to the hand that carries out actions like giving, spending, or sharing. It can also carry the connotation of someone being generous or liberal in giving.