large-handed

large-handed

A generous friend is known for being large-handed with his gifts.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Having large hands: "large-handed" literally describes a person whose hands are physically big.
    • Generous or liberal: Figuratively, "large-handed" means giving freely and abundantly; open-handed in spending or sharing.
Usage Examples

  • Literal meaning:

    • The basketball player was naturally large-handed, making it easy for him to palm the ball. (He had physically big hands.)
    • She wore extra-large gloves because she was large-handed. (Her hands were larger than average.)

  • Figurative meaning:

    • The millionaire was known for his large-handed donations to charity. (He was very generous with his money.)
    • Her large-handed hospitality made everyone feel welcome. (She was very generous in hosting guests.)
Advanced Usage

  • "large-handed with something": generous in providing a particular thing.

    • He was large-handed with his praise, always complimenting his students. (He gave praise freely and abundantly.)

  • "large-handed gesture": an act of notable generosity.

    • Buying lunch for the whole office was a large-handed gesture. (An act of generous spending.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Large-handedly (adv): in a generous or liberal manner.

    • She large-handedly donated her entire bonus to the shelter. (She gave generously.)

  • Large-handedness (n): the quality of being generous.

    • His large-handedness was appreciated by the community. (His generosity was valued.)
Synonyms
  • Bountiful: generous in giving; abundant.
  • Open-handed: giving freely; not stingy.
  • Munificent: extremely generous; lavish.
  • Liberal: willing to give or share freely.
Antonyms
  • Close-fisted: unwilling to spend money; stingy.
  • Tight-fisted: miserly; not generous.
  • Small-handed: (rare, literal opposite) having small hands; figuratively, not generous.
Related Idioms
  • "An open hand": a symbol of generosity.
    • She greeted everyone with an open hand, sharing her wealth freely. (She was generous.)
  • "Heavy-handed": (different meaning) clumsy, harsh, or oppressive, not generous.
    • His heavy-handed criticism upset the team. (He was too harsh, not generous.)
Usage Notes
  • "Large-handed" is less common in modern English than its synonym "open-handed." It is primarily used in formal or literary contexts to describe generosity.
  • The literal meaning is straightforward but rare; the figurative meaning is more frequent.
  • Be careful not to confuse it with "heavy-handed" (which means clumsy or oppressive) or "light-handed" (which means gentle or delicate).