freehanded
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Generous, liberal in giving: Characterized by or showing a readiness to give freely; open-handed. 2. Done by hand without mechanical aids: Executed manually without the use of tools, guides, or instruments.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective (Generous):
- The freehanded donor supported the local library with a large grant.
- She was known for her freehanded hospitality, always ensuring guests had more than enough.
- Adjective (Done manually):
- The artist preferred a freehanded sketch to begin her compositions.
- He drew a freehanded circle on the whiteboard.
Advanced Usage
- The term can sometimes imply a certain casualness or lack of precision in the manual sense, contrasting with mechanically aided work.
- In the sense of generosity, it often connotes a natural, unforced liberality rather than calculated giving.
Variants and Related Words
- Freehand (adjective/adverb): The more common term for the "done by hand" meaning.
- She drew the map freehand.
- Openhanded (adjective): A close synonym for the generous meaning.
Synonyms
- For "generous": Liberal, openhanded, bountiful, munificent, generous, unsparing.
- For "done by hand": Freehand, manual, hand-drawn.
Antonyms
- For "generous": Stingy, tightfisted, miserly, parsimonious.
- For "done by hand": Mechanical, instrument-aided, traced, guided.
Notes on Different Meanings
The two primary meanings of "freehanded" are distinct and context-dependent. The "generous" meaning relates to character and behavior, while the "manual execution" meaning relates to technique and method. They are effectively homographs within the same part of speech.
Adjective
- given or giving freely
- was a big tipper
- the bounteous goodness of God
- bountiful compliments
- a freehanded host
- a handsome allowance
- Saturday's child is loving and giving
- a liberal backer of the arts
- a munificent gift
- her fond and openhanded grandfather
- done by hand without mechanical aids or devices
- a freehand drawing