second-hand

A child finds a second-hand book at a library book sale.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Previously owned by someone else: "second-hand" describes goods, especially clothing, books, or furniture, that have been used by a previous owner and are now being sold again.
   • Obtained indirectly: "second-hand" can also refer to information or news that is heard from another person rather than experienced directly.

2. Adverb:

   • In a way that involves buying used goods: "second-hand" modifies actions such as buying or selling items that have been owned before.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She bought a second-hand coat at the thrift store. (The coat was previously owned by someone else.)
  • I heard the news second-hand from my neighbor. (The information was passed along indirectly.)

• Adverb:

  • He prefers to buy cars second-hand to save money. (He purchases vehicles that have been used before.)

Advanced Usage

• "second-hand smoke": smoke from cigarettes or other tobacco products that is inhaled involuntarily by non-smokers.

  • Second-hand smoke can cause serious health problems. (Smoke from others' cigarettes that is breathed in.)

• "second-hand embarrassment": embarrassment felt on behalf of someone else due to their awkward or foolish behavior.

  • I felt second-hand embarrassment watching him stumble through his speech. (Embarrassment experienced indirectly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Secondhand (adj/adv): an alternative spelling, used interchangeably.

  • She shops at secondhand stores for vintage clothes. (Stores that sell used goods.)

• Second-hand store (n): a shop that sells used items.

  • The second-hand store had a great selection of old records. (A store specializing in pre-owned goods.)

Synonyms

• Used: previously owned by someone else (for goods).
• Pre-owned: a more formal term for used items.
• Indirect: not direct, especially for information or experience.
• Hearsay: information received from others that may not be reliable.

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms

• "at second hand": through an intermediary; not directly.

  • She learned about the accident at second hand from a friend. (She heard it indirectly.)

• "second-hand knowledge": knowledge gained from others rather than personal experience.

  • His understanding of the culture is only second-hand knowledge. (Not based on direct experience.)