single-hand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “single-hand” mean?
An old-fashioned or poetic term for a single worker or a labourer working alone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An old-fashioned or poetic term for a single worker or a labourer working alone.
It can refer to a person working or acting without assistance, emphasizing individual effort. Historically used to mean 'one person' or 'one worker'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun form 'single-hand' is obsolete in both varieties. The adjectival/adverbial form 'single-handed' is standard in both, though slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
If used, 'single-hand' might carry a rustic, historical, or literary flavour.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary use for the noun. 'Single-handed' is of low-to-medium frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “single-hand” in a Sentence
work as a [single-hand]employ a [single-hand]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “single-hand” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He managed the crisis single-handed.
- She sailed across the Atlantic single-handed.
American English
- He fixed the engine single-handed.
- She single-handedly organized the entire event.
adjective
British English
- It was a remarkable single-handed sailing achievement.
- She runs a single-handed practice as a solicitor.
American English
- He made a single-handed catch to win the game.
- The single-handed operation of the business is demanding.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical texts discussing labour.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “single-hand”
- Using 'single-hand' as an adverb (incorrect: *'He built it single-hand.'). Correct: 'He built it single-handed.' or 'He built it single-handedly.')
- Confusing it with the common adjective 'single-handed'.
- Assuming it is a current, standard term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the noun 'single-hand' is archaic and very rare. The related adjective and adverb 'single-handed' are used, but the noun form is obsolete.
'Single-hand' is an obsolete noun meaning a solitary worker. 'Single-handed' is an adjective (a single-handed effort) or adverb (he did it single-handed) meaning done by one person alone.
No. Using 'single-hand' as an adverb is incorrect. The correct adverbial forms are 'single-handed' or 'single-handedly' (e.g., He won the match single-handedly).
You might find it in historical texts, old literature, or poetry referring to a lone labourer or worker. It is not used in contemporary business, academic, or everyday language.
An old-fashioned or poetic term for a single worker or a labourer working alone.
Single-hand is usually literary/archaic in register.
Single-hand: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋɡl ˈhænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪŋɡl ˈhænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINGLE HAND, all alone, doing all the work.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE INDIVIDUAL IS A SOLITARY HAND (A hand represents a worker; a single one emphasizes solitude).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard modern usage?