Pronunciation: [ˌə͡ʊvəhˈandɪd] (IPA) 
The word "overhanded" is spelled with an "e" between "h" and "a" to indicate that the "a" is pronounced as a short "a" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "overhanded" is /oʊvərˈhændɪd/. The stress is placed on the second syllable, indicated by the apostrophe before the "d." The first syllable is pronounced with the "o" as in "boat" and the "ər" as in "her." The "h" in both syllables is also pronounced distinctly.
Overhanded is an adjective that describes a particular type of throwing or striking motion characterized by a person's arm moving above and over their shoulder in order to propel an object or strike a target. This term is commonly used in sports such as baseball, tennis, and cricket to refer to a specific technique of throwing or hitting a ball.
In the context of throwing, overhanded refers to a throwing motion where the arm is brought back behind the shoulder and then forcefully swung forward in an upward arc, releasing the object at a higher point in the trajectory. This motion allows for greater accuracy, power, and distance compared to an underhanded throw. In baseball, pitchers commonly use an overhanded technique to deliver fastballs, curveballs, and other pitches.
In terms of striking, overhanded refers to a particular type of swing used in sports like tennis or cricket, where the arm is raised above the shoulder and swung downward in an aggressive manner to hit the ball with force and control. This motion is often used to generate power or spin in order to send the ball farther or to achieve a specific angle.
Overall, overhanded describes a throwing or striking motion that involves the arm moving above and over the shoulder, providing greater power, accuracy, and control in various sports activities.
The word "overhanded" is derived from the combination of two words: "over" and "hand".
The word "over" traces back to the Old English word "ofor", which meant "above" or "on top of". It later developed into the Middle English word "over", retaining the same meaning.
The word "hand" comes from the Old English word "hand", which has remained relatively unchanged in spelling and meaning throughout the centuries.
When the words "over" and "hand" are combined, the resulting term "overhanded" refers to something that is done using the hand in an elevated or upward motion.
In modern usage, "overhanded" is often associated with certain throwing styles in sports, particularly in baseball or softball, where a pitcher throws the ball overhand, with the arm elevated above the shoulder.
