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handbook

handbook

56 3.1
A short book with useful information and instructions about a subject or place
  • noun
  • /ˈhændˌbʊk/
translation icon : manual
  • However, not all regulations in the Harvard Student Handbook were so clear.
  • policy handbook
  • section of the handbook
  • chapter in the handbook

And the theme for today in the handbook is virtue.

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Examples

  • According to the school handbook, that kind of unbecoming behaviour is grounds for disqualification.

  • I was looking at this student handbook.

  • A statement not unlike this one remains in the Harvard Student Handbook to this day.

  • Every school should have a student handbook outlining clear policies regarding school procedures, including drug abuse.

    Academic text (1990)
  • The handbook provides important information about class schedules and resources.

  • According to the handbook, employees must complete mandatory training each year.

  • The handbook contains various recipes and tips for beginners in the kitchen.

Synonyms

guide
vshandbook
249 1.0

A book that gives simple instructions and basic information

is concise and focused, often serving a practical quick reference
manual
vshandbook
208 2.8

A book that shows how to use or fix something

is broader, offering concise information or instructions about many subjects
booklet
vshandbook
40 1.9

A small book with information or instructions on a topic

is a concise, possibly more complete source than a small pamphlet
guidebook
vshandbook
33 2.1

A book that gives information and advice about a place or activity

is a short informative volume but not only about locations
instruction manual
vshandbook
14 2.9

A small book that tells you how to set up and use a product

is shorter and less technical, serving general quick guidance
instruction book
vshandbook
3 2.2

A book that tells you how to use or fix a device

is more concise and broader, not limited to specific equipment how tos
1 2.7

A small guide that shows how to set up and use a device

is more concise and may cover topics beyond technical directions
reference manual
vshandbook
  • Specialized
1 3.7

A book or document that gives clear facts and instructions for quick checking

is a concise informative resource but also used as a general guide
enchiridion
vshandbook
9.9

A small book that gives important information or instructions

is slightly broader and not always extremely concise
vade mecum
vshandbook
  • Formal
9.9

A small book you carry to look things up quickly

is a general concise information source not necessarily carried everywhere

How Detailed

encyclopedia
64 3.7
manual
208 2.8
handbook
56 3.1
guide
249 1.0
leaflet
31 2.7

Surface Forms

handbook singular
handbooks plural

Morphology

handbook = hand + book (transparent) = hand + book

A clear, literal compound of two very frequent concrete nouns; learners can deduce 'handbook' as a small practical or instructional book.

Etymology

Handbook comes from the parts hand meaning 'hand' and book meaning 'book', and it first meant a small book you could hold in your hand for quick use. So a handbook today is a short, practical book with useful information or instructions.