longhand
UK[ˈlɒŋhand]US[ˈlɔːŋhand]
n
ordinary handwriting in which letters are written fully and separately, as opposed to shorthand or typing.
Morpheme Breakdown
long
hand
long
having considerable linear extent.
hand
the terminal part of the human arm.
Etymology
The word "longhand" is a transparent English compound formed from the native Germanic roots "long" and "hand." It emerged in the early 18th century as a direct contrast to "shorthand," a system for rapid writing using abbreviated symbols. The "long" component does not refer to physical length but rather to the "full" or "unabridged" form of the written characters. Thus, "longhand" logically denotes the ordinary, complete method of handwriting, explicitly distinguishing it from speed-oriented abbreviated writing systems.
Analysis
Structure: long + hand
- long: From Old English lang, long, meaning "having considerable linear extent." In this compound, it carries the sense of "full" or "not abbreviated."
- hand: From Old English hand, meaning "the terminal part of the human arm." In this compound, it refers to the act or style of writing done by hand.
Examples
The author drafted all her novels in longhand before typing them.
While the secretary took notes in shorthand, the lawyer wrote his own observations in longhand.
In the digital age, the practice of writing personal letters in longhand has become less common.