left-handed

B2 Topic:Describing Qualities

US /ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/ UK /ˌleftˈhændɪd/ See IPA manual

Freq #14636

Meanings

1

adj
using the left hand more naturally or skillfully than the right

The left-handed batter stood on the opposite side of the plate.
2

adj
made or arranged for use with the left hand

She ordered a left-handed pair of scissors for the classroom.
3

adj
indirect, ambiguous, hostile, or of doubtful sincerity

The king gave Huck a left-handed look that warned him to be careful.
4

adj
dated: awkward or clumsy, especially with the hands

His left-handed attempt to repair the clock bent one of its gears.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 adj · using the left hand more... sinistral

3 adj · indirect, ambiguous,... backhandedindirect sinister

4 adj · dated: awkward or clumsy,... clumsy awkward

Opposites

right-handeddirect sincere

Word family

Derived forms left-handedlyleft-handedness

Related forms left handbackhanded

Etymology

From left hand + -ed. The literal sense describes habitual hand use. Older cultural associations of the left side with awkwardness or ill omen produced figurative senses such as 'indirect,' 'dubious,' and 'insincere.'

Topics

Describing Qualities

External links

# left-handed

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** adj
**IPA (US):** /ˌlɛftˈhændɪd/
**IPA (UK):** /ˌleftˈhændɪd/
**Frequency rank:** 14636

## Meanings
1. using the left hand more naturally or skillfully than the right
2. made or arranged for use with the left hand
3. indirect, ambiguous, hostile, or of doubtful sincerity
4. dated: awkward or clumsy, especially with the hands

## Examples
- The left-handed batter stood on the opposite side of the plate.
- She ordered a left-handed pair of scissors for the classroom.
- The king gave Huck a left-handed look that warned him to be careful.
- His left-handed attempt to repair the clock bent one of its gears.

## Synonyms
- sinistral
- backhanded
- indirect
- clumsy

## Antonyms
- right-handed
- direct
- sincere

## Derived Forms
- left-handedly
- left-handedness

## Related Forms
- left hand
- backhanded

## Etymology
From left hand + -ed. The literal sense describes habitual hand use. Older cultural associations of the left side with awkwardness or ill omen produced figurative senses such as 'indirect,' 'dubious,' and 'insincere.'

## Topics
- Describing Qualities

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