What does openhandedly mean?
Openhandedly means acting generously, liberally, and without reluctance to give or help. The expression has a strong visual association with open hands, suggesting generosity and a willingness to share resources. It is commonly used when describing donations, assistance, support, or acts of kindness: a person gives time or money openhandedly, or a community responds openhandedly to people in need. Although the word can imply open or unreserved conduct, its central meaning is generosity rather than simply speaking frankly. It sounds more literary and expressive than generously and is especially appropriate when the writer wants to emphasize the spirit of giving. The related adjective openhanded describes a person or action as generous, while the adverb openhandedly describes the manner in which generosity is expressed.
adverbIn a generous or liberal manner, especially by giving money, help, or other assistance freely. It can also describe acting with open hands or without reluctance.
- In a generous or liberal manner; with generous assistance.
- With open hands or without reluctance, typically in the act of giving or helping.
"The foundation supports local families openhandedly, providing food and shelter throughout the winter."
"She donated her time openhandedly to the community centre."
"The donors responded openhandedly to the appeal for emergency supplies."
To act openhandedly is to give as though your hands are already open: generosity becomes a physical image.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How openhandedly is actually used
The adverb is somewhat literary and less common in everyday speech than generously or freely. The spelling open-handedly is also standard and may be preferable in formal writing.
Easily confused with openhandedly
Both forms are used, but the hyphenated spelling is more common in standard written English.
Openly means without concealment, whereas openhandedly primarily means generously and without reluctance to give.