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REFERENCE

handling

n.
US //ˈhændəɫɪŋ// UK //hˈændlɪŋ// han·dling
  1. 1 physical touch or moving (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of touching, holding, or moving something with your hands.

    the physical act of touching, manipulating, or transporting an object with the hands.

    Example

    The box was marked 'Fragile' to ensure careful handling during the move.

    Example

    Improper handling of the delicate laboratory equipment resulted in a series of hairline fractures that compromised the entire experiment.

    Usage

    Often used regarding fragile items or food safety.
  2. 2 vehicle control (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way a car or bicycle responds to the person driving or riding it.

    the responsive characteristics of a vehicle in terms of steering, stability, and cornering.

    Example

    The new sports car has excellent handling on wet roads.

    Example

    The driver praised the car's responsive handling, noting how effortlessly it maintained its line through the sharpest hairpins of the mountain pass.
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  1. 3 managing a situation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way someone deals with a difficult situation or person.

    the management or treatment of a specific situation, person, or problem.

    Example

    The manager's handling of the customer's complaint was very professional.

    Example

    The government's handling of the economic crisis was met with widespread criticism from both the public and the financial sector.
  2. 4 artistic style (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Art

    the way an artist uses a brush or tool to create a specific look.

    the specific manner or style in which an artist applies paint or uses a tool.

    Example

    The painter is famous for his rough handling of the oil paint.

    Example

    The critic noted that the artist's bold handling of the brush gave the portrait a sense of raw energy that was lacking in his earlier works.
Etymology 1

From Middle English handlinge, hondlunge, from Old English handlung (“handling”), equivalent to handle + -ing. Cognate with Dutch handeling (“trade, operation, action”), German Handlung (“act, action”), Swedish handling (“act, deed, action”).

Etymology 2

From handle.

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