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What is the difference between fistful and handful?

fistful | handful | Synonyms |

Handful is a synonym of fistful.



As nouns the difference between fistful and handful

is that fistful is the amount that can be held in a closed fist while handful is the amount that a hand will grasp or contain.

fistful

English

Noun

(en-noun)
  • the amount that can be held in a closed fist

    • Synonyms

    * handful

    handful

    English

    Alternative forms

    * handfull (archaic)

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • The amount that a hand will grasp or contain.
  • :(Joseph Addison)
  • (obsolete) A hand's breadth; four inches.
    • ''Knap the tongs together about a handful from the bottom. -
  • A small quantity, usually approximately equal to five.
    • ''This handful of men were tied to very hard duty. - Fuller
  • Something which can only be managed with difficulty.
    • ''Those twins are a real handful to look after.

    Synonyms

    * (content of a hand) fistful * handbreadth, handsbreadth

    Derived terms

    * To have one's handful : (Obsolete): to have one's hands full; to have all one can do. *: ''They had their handful to defend themselves from firing. -

    Related terms

    * handgrip * handhold