Words / B1

HAND-ee/ˈhændi/

Handy means useful, or nearby: a handy app; come in handy; handy for the station. Useful is the plain twin; convenient is already in the dictionary. Do not call major surgery handy. Come in handy is a set phrase. Informal tone — avoid in the most formal essays, or swap useful.

Meaning

Useful; also nearby and easy to reach.

Examples

• “A spare charger is handy in the exam building.”
• “The hotel is handy for the station, which is the location sense.”

Good to know

handy for + place; come in handy. Close: useful / convenient. Informal. Not for serious medical or legal topics. Location: handy for.

Near in meaning

useful

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