deal with people

/diːl wɪð ˈpiːpl/
phrasal verbIntermediate interact with or manage others
general

To interact with, manage, or handle people in a particular way, often in a social, professional, or personal context.

Customer service representatives must learn how to deal with people effectively.

Customer service representatives need to interact with and manage customers in a professional manner.

He struggles to deal with people who are overly aggressive.

He finds it difficult to handle people who are very aggressive.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in discussions about social skills, customer service, or interpersonal relationships.

Related Phrases

get along with peoplephrase
to have a harmonious relationship with others
handle peoplephrase
to manage or control interactions with others

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The phrase can have different nuances depending on the context. For example, 'dealing with difficult people' implies handling challenging individuals, while 'dealing with people in a team' suggests collaboration.

Gold Rule

Avoid Negative Connotations

Be mindful of the tone when using this phrase. It can sometimes imply a transactional or impersonal approach, so use it carefully in sensitive contexts.

📖Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of the verb 'deal' (meaning to handle or manage) and the noun 'people' (referring to individuals or groups).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from business to personal relationships. It often implies a level of skill or strategy in how one interacts with others.

Word Breakdown

deal
to handle or manage
root
+
with
in relation to
preposition
+
people
individuals or groups of humans
noun
English Dictionary