How Do You Spell SECONDHAND?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛkəndhˌand] (IPA)

The word "secondhand" is spelled with the letter "o" instead of "a" because it comes from the idea of "second hand" on a clock or watch. The "o" represents an abbreviation of the word "of" in this context. The IPA phonetic transcription of "secondhand" is /ˈsɛkəndhænd/, which indicates that the stress falls on the first syllable and the vowel in the second syllable is pronounced as "uh" as in "hut". This word means something that is not new or original, but previously used by someone else.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
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SECONDHAND Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "secondhand" pertains to an item or information that is acquired from another individual or source after it has been previously owned or used. It refers to the condition or state of being second in line or possession, having previously passed through the hands of a primary owner. Secondhand items are typically purchased, borrowed, or received by someone other than the original owner. This includes a wide range of objects such as clothes, furniture, books, electronics, and vehicles that have been owned or utilized by someone else before the current owner.

    Additionally, "secondhand" can also describe information or knowledge obtained indirectly or through others. In this context, it refers to information that has been relayed or passed down by someone who directly experienced a particular event or situation. This type of information is not firsthand, as it is received from a secondary source.

    The term "secondhand" carries connotations of reduced value or quality, mainly due to wear and tear or being removed from the original packaging. However, secondhand items can often present cost-effective options, allowing individuals to acquire desirable goods at lower prices. Furthermore, buying or using secondhand products is often considered an environmentally friendly practice, as it reduces waste and the consumption of new resources.

Common Misspellings for SECONDHAND

Etymology of SECONDHAND

The word secondhand comes from a combination of two words: second and hand.

The word second can be traced back to the Latin word secundus, which means following or next. Over time, this word evolved in Old English to secund, which meant successive or subsequent.

The word hand originated from the Old English word hand, which had the same meaning as the modern-day term. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word handuz, which has connections to various Indo-European languages.

The combination of second and hand gave rise to the term secondhand, which refers to an item that has been previously owned or used by someone else. This usage suggests that the item has moved from one hand (owner) to another, hence being second hand.

Idioms with the word SECONDHAND

  • secondhand Secondhand means previously owned or used by someone else, or received from or through an intermediary source rather than directly from the original source.

Similar spelling words for SECONDHAND