SECOND HAND Meaning and
Definition
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"Second hand" is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used to describe an object, item, or information that has been previously owned, used, or dealt with by another person or entity. This term is most often associated with physical goods, but can also refer to knowledge, gossip, or opinions that have been passed down or relayed from a primary source.
When used in the context of physical goods, "second hand" typically refers to an item that has been used by someone else before being sold or passed on to another individual. These items may exhibit signs of wear or previous use, distinguishing them from brand new or unused products. Second-hand goods are often sold at a lower price than their original cost, providing an opportunity for buyers to find bargains or save money.
The term "second hand" can also be extended to describe the indirect acquisition of information. For instance, someone may claim to have obtained information second hand if they have received it from a person who learned it from a primary source. In this context, the information may not be considered as reliable or accurate as if it were obtained directly from the original source.
Overall, "second hand" refers to objects, goods, or information that have been previously owned, used, or heard by someone other than the current recipient. This term implies that the item or information has passed through at least one other person before reaching its current state or location.
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• That has been used or worn; not new; not original or primary.
• Not primarily; not originally.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SECOND HAND
- aecond hand
- zecond hand
- xecond hand
- decond hand
- eecond hand
- wecond hand
- swcond hand
- sscond hand
- sdcond hand
- srcond hand
- s4cond hand
- s3cond hand
- sexond hand
- sevond hand
- sefond hand
- sedond hand
- secind hand
- secknd hand
- seclnd hand
Etymology of SECOND HAND
The word "second hand" originates from the Old English word "secund" which means "following, next in order". The term "second hand" originally referred to the hand on a clock or watch that follows the minute hand and indicates the seconds. The expression later came to be associated with used or previously owned items, likely due to the idea that such items have passed from one person to another. This transition in meaning happened around the 18th century.
Idioms with the word SECOND HAND
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at second hand
The idiom "at second hand" generally refers to receiving information or experiencing something indirectly, rather than firsthand. It suggests that information is obtained from someone else or through some intermediary source. It implies that the knowledge or experience isn't obtained through personal observation or direct involvement.
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second hand
The phrase "second hand" refers to something that is not brand new and has been previously owned or used by someone else. It can also refer to information or stories that are not firsthand, but rather obtained from someone else.
Similar spelling words for SECOND HAND
- second sacker,
- secondguess,
- second moment,
- secondhand,
- second advent,
- second-string,
- second deck,
- second crusade,
- second nature,
- second best,
- second joint,
- second class,
- second banana,
- second reading,
- Second Empire,
- second growth,
- secondment,
- second stomach,
- seconder,
- Second Reich,
- second wind,
- second coming,
- seasoned,
- second baseman,
- second period,
- secondary,
- second-guess,
- second-best,
- second-year,
- second base,
- second person,
- secondly,
- second power,
- second-rate,
- second-class,
- second sight,
- second cousin,
- second fiddle,
- second estate,
- second half,
- secondarily,
- second-rater,
- second gear.
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