What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Handful vs Palmful - What's the difference?

handful | palmful |

As nouns the difference between handful and palmful

is that handful is the amount that a hand will grasp or contain while palmful is enough to fill the palm of one's hand.

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

    palmful

    English

    Noun

    (en-noun)
  • Enough to fill the palm of one's hand.