handicap
|hand-i-cap|
/ˈhændɪˌkæp/
disadvantage or obstacle
Etymology
'handicap' originates from the game 'hand in cap,' a method of trading goods in the 17th century, where 'hand' meant 'hand' and 'cap' referred to a 'hat.'
'hand in cap' transformed into the term 'handicap' in the 18th century, eventually becoming the modern English word 'handicap.'
Initially, it meant 'a method of trading,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a disadvantage or obstacle.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a circumstance that makes progress or success difficult.
His lack of experience was a handicap in the competition.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
a disadvantage imposed on a superior competitor to make the chances more equal.
The golf tournament used a handicap system to level the playing field.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40