handle
UK[ˈhændl]US[ˈhændl]
v
To touch, hold, or move something with your hands.
v
To deal with or be responsible for a situation, a person, or a problem.
n
The part of an object designed for holding it with your hand.
Morpheme Breakdown
hand
le
hand
hand
le
Etymology
The word 'handle' has a transparent and practical origin in Old English. It is formed from the noun 'hand', referring to the part of the body, combined with the instrumental suffix '-le', which creates nouns denoting a tool or an object associated with an action. Thus, the literal meaning is 'a thing for the hand' or 'a thing to be held by the hand'. This concrete sense for the noun naturally gave rise to the verb, meaning 'to touch or manipulate with the hands', which later broadened metaphorically to encompass the management of abstract situations or problems.
Analysis
Structure: hand + le
- hand: From Old English hand, meaning 'hand'. It functions as the core semantic root.
- le: A frequentative or instrumental suffix from Old English -el, -ol, -ul, used to form nouns denoting an instrument or a repeated action.
Examples
Be careful how you handle that antique vase; it's very fragile.
She is experienced and can handle difficult customers with ease.
The door handle was cold and made of polished brass.