Handy
/ˈhændi/
Definitions
2 meaningsConvenient to handle or use; useful.
/ˈhændi/
Convenient and useful.
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💡 Simply: Handy means it’s easy to use or have around! Think of your phone – it's super handy for calling your friends, looking up facts, and taking pictures.
👶 For kids: Being handy means something is easy to use and helpful!
More Examples
Having a first-aid kit handy in the car is always a good idea.
A small, portable charger is a handy accessory for your phone.
How It's Used
"A small toolkit is handy for quick repairs around the house."
"A smartphone is a handy device to have while traveling."
Skillful or clever with one's hands.
/ˈhændi/
Skillful or clever with the hands.
He's handy at fixing cars.
💡 Simply: Being handy can also mean you’re good at making or fixing things with your hands! Think of a carpenter who can build beautiful furniture. They are handy!
👶 For kids: If you're handy, it means you are good at doing things with your hands, like building with blocks or drawing pictures!
More Examples
My grandmother is very handy with a needle and thread.
She's handy in the kitchen and always makes delicious meals.
How It's Used
"She's handy at sewing and can repair most of her own clothes."
"The carpenter was very handy with his tools."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
handy dandy
A fun or easy way of doing something.
"Here’s a handy dandy trick for remembering the planets in order."
From Middle English *hendy*, from Old English *hende* ('near, at hand, skillful'). Cognate with German *händig* ('handy').
The word 'handy' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to something that is 'near at hand.' The meaning evolved to include skillfulness later.
Memory tip
Imagine holding a tool in your HAND. If it’s easy to use, it's HANDY!
Word Origin
"near, at hand, skillful"