Phrase guide

hand down

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To transmit in succession, as from father to son, or from predecessor to successor.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Fables are handed down from age to age.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To deliver (the decision of a court, etc.)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: law

Examples

  • The jury handed down a verdict of guilty.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To forward to the proper officer (the decision of a higher court).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: law

Examples

  • The Clerk of the Court of Appeals handed down its decision.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

To donate (as second hand.)

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • When my older brother grows out of his clothes, he hands them down to me.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

verb

Meaning 5

passed on, as by inheritance

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • This ring was handed down through many generations

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: pass on

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Danish: overlevere — transmit in succession
  • Dutch: doorgeven — transmit in succession
  • Dutch: overleveren — transmit in succession
  • French: transmettre — transmit in succession
  • German: überliefern — transmit in succession
  • Ancient Greek: παραδίδωμι (paradídōmi) — transmit in succession
  • Italian: tramandare — transmit in succession
  • Māori: whakahoro — transmit in succession
  • Russian: передава́ть (peredavátʹ) — transmit in succession
  • Russian: переда́ть (peredátʹ) — transmit in succession
  • Ukrainian: передава́ти (peredaváty) — transmit in succession
  • Ukrainian: переда́ти (peredáty) — transmit in succession