What does "longhand" mean?
The written characters used in the common method of writing; opposed to shorthand, or typing or printing; handwriting.
Longhand
/ˈlɒŋˌhænd/ adv, noun
adv, noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The written characters used in the common method of writing; opposed to shorthand, or typing or printing; handwriting.
- Grammar: longhand is listed as adv, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: autograph, autographic, block letter, bold hand.
- Useful contrasts: stenographic, machine-printed, pitman.
- Usage evidence: That girl couldn't take things down in longhand, let alone shorthand.
How to use "longhand"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "longhand" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "longhand" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "longhand" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "longhand" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "longhand" is acting as adv, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "autograph" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "longhand", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The written characters used in the common method of writing; opposed to shorthand, or typing or printing; handwriting. countable, uncountable
"When, however, in any particular case, he has no assured means of determining the true spelling of the name, he should always quietly interrupt the dictater with the request, " Spell it , please," and then write the name in longhand from the dictater's spelling."
- 2 rapid handwriting in which letters are set down in full and are cursively connected within words without lifting the writing implement from the paper wordnet
Adjective
- 1 having words written out in full by hand wordnet
Adverb
- 1 Written by hand in normal characters, as opposed to shorthand. not-comparable
- 2 Written by hand (with pen or pencil), rather than printed out; handwritten. not-comparable
"I had to write the essay out twice longhand – they wouldn’t let me print it out. It took forever!"
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"That girl couldn't take things down in longhand, let alone shorthand."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "longhand"?
Common synonyms include: autograph, autographic, block letter, bold hand, book hand, by-hand.
How do you use "longhand" in a sentence?
That girl couldn't take things down in longhand, let alone shorthand.
How do you pronounce "longhand"?
Pronounced /ˈlɒŋˌhænd/.
Etymology
From long + hand, by analogy with shorthand.