Handy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈhan-dē/

Meaning & Definition of Handy

Handy (adjective)

  1. conveniently near
  2. convenient for use
  3. easily handled

Handy (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. situated within easy reach

    "keeps a box of tissue handy whenever she watches Romeo and Juliet on her home theater"

    similar: accessible, convenient, reachable, at hand, to hand
    related: close, near, nearby, nigh, abutting, adjacent, adjoining, approachable, attainable, getatable, obtainable, ultraconvenient
    opposite: inaccessible, inconvenient, unhandy, unreachable, untouchable
    near: away, distant, far, faraway, far-off, remote, removed, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable

  2. skillful with the hands

    "handy with a needle and thread"

    similar: clever, cunning, deft, dexterous
    related: agile, flexible, graceful, limber, lissome, lithe, lithesome, nimble, spry, coordinated, able, adept, capable, competent, expert, habile, masterful, masterly, proficient, qualified, skilled, skillful, sure-handed, double-jointed, loose-jointed
    opposite: butterfingered, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed, unhandy
    near: awkward, bungling, clumsy, fumbling, gauche, gawky, graceless, klutzy, rough-hewn, stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungainly, ungraceful, wooden, uncoordinated, incapable, incompetent, inept, inexpert, maladroit

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Handy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Handy:

accessible, convenient, reachable, clever, cunning, deft, dexterous, at hand, to hand

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Handy

Words with the opposite meaning of Handy:

inaccessible, inconvenient, unhandy, unreachable, untouchable, butterfingered, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed

Related Words for Handy

close, near, nearby, nigh, abutting, adjacent, adjoining, approachable, attainable, getatable, obtainable, ultraconvenient, agile, flexible, graceful, limber, lissome, lithe, lithesome, nimble, spry, coordinated, able, adept, capable, competent, expert, habile, masterful, masterly

Near Antonyms of Handy

away, distant, far, faraway, far-off, remote, removed, unapproachable, unattainable, unavailable, unobtainable, awkward, bungling, clumsy, fumbling, gauche, gawky, graceless, klutzy, rough-hewn, stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungainly, ungraceful, wooden, uncoordinated, incapable, incompetent

Word Forms of Handy

Inflections: handier, handiest

Derived words: handiness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Handy

First known use: circa 1525

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Handy

Words & Phrases Containing Handy

handy-dandy, handy for, come in handy

Frequently Asked Questions about Handy

What does "Handy" mean?

"Handy" means conveniently near. As an adjective, it is defined as: conveniently near. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Handy"?

Other words for "Handy" include accessible, convenient, reachable, clever, cunning, deft, dexterous and at hand. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Handy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Handy"?

There are 46 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Handy". Common alternatives include accessible, convenient, reachable, clever, cunning, deft, dexterous, at hand and to hand.

What is the opposite of "Handy"?

Antonyms of "Handy" include inaccessible, inconvenient, unhandy, unreachable, untouchable, butterfingered, ham-fisted and ham-handed. Near antonyms include away, distant, far and faraway.

How do you use "Handy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Handy" in a sentence: "keeps a box of tissue handy whenever she watches Romeo and Juliet on her home theater"; "handy with a needle and thread".

Is "Handy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Handy" is an adjective.

Is "Handy" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Handy" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Handy"?

"Handy" is pronounced /ˈhan-dē/.