The term “handle” comes from the Old English word “handlian,” which means “to touch or to manage.” This is derived from the Old English word “hand,” meaning “hand.”
1. Proto-Indo-European (PIE)
The PIE root “*ghes-” means “hand” or “to grasp.”
2. Old English (c. 5th to 11th century CE)
From the PIE root, the Old English word “hand” developed, meaning “hand.” The verb “handlian” was derived from “hand,” meaning “to touch, to manage, or to deal with.”
3. Middle English (c. 11th to 15th century CE)
The Old English “handlian” evolved into Middle English “handlen,” retaining the meaning of “to touch,” “to manage,” or “to deal with.”
4. Modern English (from 15th century CE to present)
The term “handle” evolved into its current form and pronunciation, encompassing meanings related to touching, managing, or dealing with something.
Phonetic Evolution
Over time, the pronunciation of “handle” has remained relatively stable from Old English to Modern English.
Usage Examples
- “Handle is often used to describe the act of touching, managing, or dealing with something.”
- “Another example of ‘handle’ in a sentence is ‘He knows how to handle difficult situations with ease.'”
- “It can also refer to physically touching or manipulating an object, as in ‘Please handle the fragile items with care.'”
Cultural or Historical Notes
The development of the word “handle” was significantly influenced by its use in various contexts, including physical manipulation, management, and dealing with situations. Handling has been associated with control, direction, and effective interaction with objects and circumstances.
The word “handle” reflects the concept of touching and managing, emphasizing the importance of interaction and control in various aspects of life. It underscores the role of handling in achieving goals, maintaining order, and ensuring effective operation in personal responsibilities, business operations, and everyday tasks.