secondhand
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsɛk.ənd.hænd/
KK: /ˈsɛkəndˌhænd/
adjective
Definition
Referring to items that have been used before and are not new, often sold at a lower price.
Example
I bought a secondhand book from the store to save money.
Conversation
I just bought a secondhand bike from that shop downtown.
Oh really? That's awesome! How much did you pay for it?
It was only a hundred dollars, and it's in great condition.
That's a steal! I love finding secondhand stuff like that.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
used
pre-owned
recycled
Antonyms
new
original
unused
adverb
Definition
In a way that is not direct, often involving someone or something else.
Example
She heard the news secondhand from a friend.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new cafe that opened up downtown?
Yeah, I heard about it secondhand from Sarah.
I wonder if it's as good as they say it is.
Root Explanation
Secondhand → It is formed from "second" (from Old French *second*, meaning second or next) and "hand" (from Old English *hand*, meaning the part of the body at the end of the arm). The term "secondhand" refers to something that is not new, but rather comes from a previous owner, hence the idea of being in the hands of a second person.
Memory Tip
Think of 'second' as something that comes from another person ('hand') — that's why secondhand means something that has been used by someone else.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.