backhand
|back-hand|
/ˈbæk.hænd/
strike with the back of the hand
Etymology
'backhand' originates from Old English elements 'bæc' and 'hand', where 'bæc' meant 'back' and 'hand' meant 'hand'.
'backhand' appeared as a compound in Middle English (e.g. forms like 'bakhand' or 'bak-hond') and developed into the modern English compound 'backhand'.
Initially it referred literally to the 'back of the hand' or an action using the back of the hand; over time it came to mean a strike made with the back of the hand and later a specific racket-sport stroke.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a stroke in racket sports (especially tennis) made by swinging the racket so that the back of the hand faces the direction of the stroke.
Her backhand is improving after months of practice.
Antonyms
Noun 2
a blow or slap delivered with the back of the hand.
He received a backhand across the face during the argument.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to hit (something, especially a ball) with a backhand stroke; to strike with the back of the hand.
He backhanded the ball down the line to win the point.
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Antonyms
Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'backhand'.
He backhanded the ball earlier in the match.
Adjective 1
used as 'backhanded' — indirect, insincere, or subtly insulting (often used of a compliment).
She gave him a backhanded compliment about his work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 07:11