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handedly

A2
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈændɪdlɪ/

US

  • /ˈhændɪdli/

Description

In modern English, "handedly" is very rare on its own. Most of the time, you see it as the second part of a longer adverb, especially "single-handedly." In that pattern, it helps describe the way something was done, often showing that one person did it alone or that the action relates to a particular hand. So if you meet this form, it is usually better to read it as part of a compound word rather than as a common standalone word.

Examples

  1. 1

    Doing alone

    She single-handedly kept the store running while her brother was in the hospital.

    • Grammar

      handedly is usually part of a longer adverb, not used alone

  2. 2

    Forceful control

    The school tried to fix the problem too heavy-handedly, and parents complained.

    • Meaning

      heavy-handedly

      in a way that is too forceful or controlling

  3. 3

    Dishonest credit

    He underhandedly took credit for a project the whole team had worked on.

    • Meaning

      underhandedly

      in a dishonest or unfair way

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • handedlyadverb