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handle
/ˈhæn.dəl/
to manage or deal with
She handled the crisis with calm professionalism.
She managed the difficult situation skillfully.
neutral
to manage, deal with, or control something
The receptionist handled all customer inquiries.
The receptionist dealt with all customer questions.
He handled the project from start to finish.
He supervised the project completely.
Commonly used in business, customer service, and general contexts.
literal
a part of something designed to be held by a hand
The handle of the teapot was broken.
The part of the teapot you hold was damaged.
Physical meaning, often referring to tools, doors, or containers.
informal
a name or nickname, especially on social media
Her Twitter handle is @artlover123.
Her username on Twitter is @artlover123.
Used in online platforms to identify users.
Collocations
handle with careto treat gently to avoid damagehandle a situationto manage a problem or eventhandle a toolto use a tool properlyhandle a customerto assist or serve a client
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistakes
'Handle' is often confused with 'hold' or 'touch'. Remember: 'handle' implies responsibility or management, not just physical contact.
Gold Rule
When to Use 'Handle'
Use 'handle' when someone is actively managing, controlling, or dealing with something, especially in a professional or problem-solving context.
Avoid Redundancy
Don't say 'handle the situation' unless you're emphasizing the act of managing it. 'Manage the situation' is often sufficient.
Word Origin
From Old English 'handlian' (to touch, feel), related to 'hand'. Evolved from physical touch to abstract management by the 14th century.
Usage Notes
As a verb, 'handle' implies active involvement in managing or dealing with something. As a noun, it refers to a physical part or a username.
Word Breakdown
hand
the part of the body used for grasping
root-le
diminutive or frequentative suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary