How Do You Spell HANDLE?

Pronunciation: [hˈandə͡l] (IPA)

"Handle" is spelled as /ˈhændl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "hand" is pronounced as /hænd/, with a short "a" sound followed by "nd" consonant cluster. The second syllable "le" is pronounced as /l/, with a silent "e" at the end. The word "handle" is commonly used as a verb meaning to touch, hold, or manage something. Its spelling remains consistent in both American and British English.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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HANDLE Meaning and Definition

  1. A handle is a noun that refers to a part of an object used for gripping, lifting, or carrying it. It typically indicates a shaped or designed feature attached to an item that facilitates its manipulation or control. Handles can be found on various objects like doors, cabinets, suitcases, tools, and utensils to enhance their functionality. They are commonly made of materials like plastic, metal, or wood and are often curved or shaped ergonomically to fit comfortably in the hand.

    In addition to physical objects, handle can also be used as a verb. When used in this sense, handle refers to the action of touching, holding, or controlling something. It suggests the ability to manage or deal with a situation or a person skillfully and effectively. For instance, one may handle a delicate glass figurine with care, handle a difficult customer complaint professionally, or handle stressful situations calmly.

    Furthermore, handle can also denote a name or an identifier used by someone on the internet or in a virtual community. This virtual handle, also known as a username or screen name, allows individuals to interact or communicate anonymously or pseudonymously.

    Overall, whether as a noun or verb, handle denotes the physical or metaphorical act of gripping, manipulating, or controlling something, be it a physical object, a situation, or an online persona.

  2. • That part of anything held in the hand when used; that of which use is made; the instr. by which a purpose is effected.
    • To feel, use, or hold with the hand; to make familiar by frequent touching; to treat or discourse on; to treat or use well or ill.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HANDLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HANDLE

Etymology of HANDLE

The word "handle" has an etymology that traces back to Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "handlian", which means "to touch or seize with the hand". The word "handle" itself first appeared around the 14th century and has been used to refer to the part of an object that is designed to be held or grasped by the hand. The term has its roots in the Proto-Germanic language and can be linked to the Old Norse word "handall", meaning "handle" or "grasp". Ultimately, the word "handle" originates from the Proto-Indo-European root word "kemd" or "komd", which pertains to the concept of grasping or holding.

Idioms with the word HANDLE

  • handle on The idiom "handle on" means to have an understanding, control, or mastery of something. It refers to the ability to manage or deal with a situation or problem effectively.
  • handle (oneself) The idiom "handle oneself" means to manage or conduct oneself with skill, competence, or composure in a particular situation or under specific circumstances. It implies the ability to deal with and navigate through challenges, difficulties, or interactions in an appropriate and effective manner.
  • get a handle on (something) The idiom "get a handle on (something)" means to obtain a firm understanding or control over a situation, concept, or problem. It implies gaining a strong grasp or mastery of something in order to deal with it effectively.
  • handle/treat sb with kid gloves The idiom "handle/treat someone with kid gloves" means to be extremely gentle, delicate, or cautious in dealing with someone, usually due to their sensitive nature or fragile emotions. It implies approaching someone or a situation with great care, sensitivity, and tact to avoid causing offense or distress.
  • get a handle on The idiom "get a handle on" means to gain control or understanding of something. It implies being able to manage or comprehend a concept, situation, or task effectively.
  • be too hot to handle The idiom "be too hot to handle" means to be a person, situation, or task that is difficult, dangerous, or challenging to deal with or manage. It implies a high level of difficulty or risk, making it hard to manage or control effectively.
  • too hot to handle The idiom "too hot to handle" refers to a situation or person that is difficult, challenging, or dangerous to deal with or manage. It implies that the circumstances or individual are overwhelming or beyond one's capacity to control or handle.
  • handle with gloves The idiom "handle with gloves" means to treat someone or something with extreme care, caution, or sensitivity, typically due to their delicate or sensitive nature. It suggests being gentle, cautious, and considerate in dealing with a particular person, situation, or object to avoid causing offense, harm, or negative consequences.
  • handle someone with kid gloves To handle someone with kid gloves means to treat someone delicately, carefully, or with great sensitivity, usually because they are sensitive, vulnerable, or easily offended. This idiom suggests that the person being handled requires special attention or caution, similar to handling delicate items with soft, gentle gloves to avoid causing harm or offense.
  • handle (or treat) someone or something with kid gloves The idiom "handle (or treat) someone or something with kid gloves" means to be extremely careful, gentle, or cautious in dealing with a person or situation, as if they are particularly delicate or sensitive. It suggests treating someone or something with special care, sensitivity, or special attention to avoid causing offense, injury, or negative repercussions.
  • handle with kid gloves The idiom "handle with kid gloves" means to treat someone or something very delicately and with great care. It implies being gentle, cautious, and sensitive in dealing with a particular situation or person, usually due to their perceived fragility or sensitivity. The expression originates from the use of kid (young goat) leather gloves, which are known for being soft, delicate, and of high quality, hence requiring gentle handling.
  • handle sm with kid gloves The idiom "handle someone/something with kid gloves" means to treat someone or something delicately, cautiously, or gently, often due to their fragile nature, vulnerability, or sensitivity. It suggests that extra care and sensitivity should be taken when dealing with the person or situation at hand to avoid causing harm or offense.
  • get a handle on sth The idiom "get a handle on something" means to gain understanding or control over a situation, concept, or problem. It implies getting a firm grasp or control on something, similar to how one would hold onto the handle of an object for better control.
  • go off the handle The idiom "go off the handle" means to suddenly become extremely angry or lose one's temper in an exaggerated or uncontrollable manner.
  • get/have a handle on somebody/something The idiom "get/have a handle on somebody/something" means to gain control, understanding, or mastery over a situation, task, or person. It refers to the ability to effectively manage or successfully deal with a specific subject or individual. It implies the ability to grasp or comprehend someone or something, often in order to handle or manipulate it in a desired manner.
  • have a handle on (something) The idiom "have a handle on (something)" means to have a good understanding or control over a particular situation, problem, or task. It implies having a firm grasp or ability to manage and navigate effectively.
  • fly off the handle The idiom "fly off the handle" means to become suddenly and uncontrollably angry or lose one's temper in a sudden and uncontrolled manner. It refers to a situation where someone's anger escalates rapidly and they react with extreme emotion, often without thinking or considering the consequences of their actions.
  • handle (someone or something) with kid gloves To "handle (someone or something) with kid gloves" means to treat someone or something with extreme care, gentleness, and sensitivity, usually because they are delicate, fragile, or sensitive in some way. It implies being cautious, considerate, and delicate in dealing with the person or situation at hand.
  • handle to (one's) name
  • *a handle on something
  • handle, treat, etc. somebody with kid gloves To handle, treat, etc. somebody with kid gloves means to treat someone delicately and carefully, often due to their sensitivity or vulnerability.

Similar spelling words for HANDLE

Plural form of HANDLE is HANDLES

Conjugate verb Handle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have handled
you would have handled
he/she/it would have handled
we would have handled
they would have handled
I would have handle
you would have handle
he/she/it would have handle
we would have handle
they would have handle

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been handling
you would have been handling
he/she/it would have been handling
we would have been handling
they would have been handling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would handle
you would handle
he/she/it would handle
we would handle
they would handle

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be handling
you would be handling
he/she/it would be handling
we would be handling
they would be handling

FUTURE

I will handle
you will handle
he/she/it will handle
we will handle
they will handle

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be handling
you will be handling
he/she/it will be handling
we will be handling
they will be handling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have handled
you will have handled
he/she/it will have handled
we will have handled
they will have handled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been handling
you will have been handling
he/she/it will have been handling
we will have been handling
they will have been handling

IMPERATIVE

you handle
we let´s handle

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to handle

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was handling
you were handling
he/she/it was handling
we were handling
they were handling

PAST PARTICIPLE

handled

PAST PERFECT

I had handled
you had handled
he/she/it had handled
we had handled
they had handled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been handling
you had been handling
he/she/it had been handling
we had been handling
they had been handling

PRESENT

I handle
you handle
he/she/it handles
we handle
they handle

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am handling
you are handling
he/she/it is handling
we are handling
they are handling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

handling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have handled
you have handled
he/she/it has handled
we have handled
they have handled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been handling
you have been handling
he/she/it has been handling
we have been handling
they have been handling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it handle

SIMPLE PAST

I handled
you handled
he/she/it handled
we handled
they handled

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Correct spelling for handle
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