Handle vs. Handel — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 30, 2023
"Handle" is a verb or noun referring to managing or the part of an object meant for holding. "Handel" refers to George Frideric Handel, an 18th-century composer.
Difference Between Handle and Handel
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Key Differences
Handle as a verb means to manage or deal with a situation or object, while Handel is the surname of George Frideric Handel, a renowned Baroque composer known for works like Messiah.
As a noun, handle denotes the part of an object designed for holding, such as a door handle. In contrast, Handel represents a historical figure in music, influential in the development of opera and oratorio.
The use of handle is common in everyday language, both as a physical descriptor and metaphorically in phrases like handle the situation. Conversely, Handel is specifically associated with classical music and history.
Handle can also imply understanding or control over a subject, as in I can handle this task. Handel's legacy, however, lies in his contributions to music, notably his dramatic and vocal compositions.
In technology, handle can refer to an identifier or a reference to a resource, distinct from Handel, whose relevance remains in the realm of classical music and cultural history.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be a noun or verb.
Proper noun, a surname.
Usage Context
Common in everyday language, technology.
Associated with classical music and history.
Meaning
As a noun: part for holding; as a verb: to manage or control.
Refers to George Frideric Handel, a composer.
Etymology
Derived from Old English 'handlian.'
Germanic origin, a personal name.
Cultural Relevance
Used in diverse contexts, from practical to metaphorical.
Tied to Baroque music and its historical significance.
Compare with Definitions
Handle
A part of an object designed to be held.
She turned the door handle to enter.
Handel
Surname of George Frideric Handel, a composer.
Handel's Hallelujah Chorus is famous worldwide.
Handle
To manage or deal with.
He handles the negotiations very well.
Handel
Associated with Baroque music.
Handel contributed significantly to Baroque music.
Handle
To conduct oneself in a specified manner.
She handled herself gracefully in the meeting.
Handel
Known for operas and oratorios.
Handel's opera Rinaldo was a great success.
Handle
In computing, a reference to a system resource.
The software assigns a unique handle to each process.
Handel
A symbol of 18th-century music.
Handel epitomizes the grandeur of 18th-century music.
Handle
To touch, hold, or manipulate with the hands.
Please handle the glassware carefully.
Handel
An influential figure in Western classical music.
Handel's influence is evident in modern classical compositions.
Handle
A handle is a part of, or attachment to, an object that allows it to be grasped and manipulated by hand. The design of each type of handle involves substantial ergonomic issues, even where these are dealt with intuitively or by following tradition.
Handel
A prolific German baroque composer remembered best for his oratorio Messiah (1685-1759)
Handle
To touch, lift, or hold with the hands
You should wash your hands before you handle food.
Handel
The music of Handel
Handle
To operate with the hands; manipulate
Can handle a jigsaw.
Handle
To deal with or have responsibility for; conduct
Handles matters of corporate law.
Handle
To cope with or dispose of
Handles problems efficiently.
Handle
To direct, execute, or dispose of
Handle an investment.
Handle
To manage, administer to, or represent
Handle a boxer.
Handle
To deal or trade in the purchase or sale of
A branch office that handles grain exports.
Handle
To act or function in a given way while in operation
A car that handles well in the snow.
Handle
A part that is designed to be held or operated with the hand
The handle of a suitcase.
The handle of a faucet.
Handle
A means of understanding or control
Has a handle on the situation.
Handle
(Slang) A person's name.
Handle
An alternate name or nickname, especially one chosen for self-identification on online forums or citizens band radio.
Handle
(Games) The total amount of money bet on an event or over a set period of time.
Handle
The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
Handle
An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.
Handle
(gambling) The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.
The daily handle of a Las Vegas casino is typically millions of dollars.
Handle
(textiles) The tactile qualities of a fabric, e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch.
Handle
(slang) A name, nickname or pseudonym.
Handle
(slang) A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel.
The successful businessman was knighted and acquired a handle to his name.
Handle
(computing) A reference to an object or structure that can be stored in a variable.
This article describes how to find the module name from the window handle.
Handle
A 10 fluid ounce (285 mL) glass of beer.
Handle
(US) A half-gallon (1.75-liter) bottle of alcohol.
Handle
A point, an extremity of land.
The Handle of the Sug in Newfoundland
Handle
(topology) A topological space homeomorphic to a ball but viewed as a product of two lower-dimensional balls.
Handle
(algebraic geometry) The smooth, irreducible subcurve of a comb which connects to each of the other components in exactly one point.
Handle
(transitive) To touch; to feel or hold with the hand(s).
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to take care of with the hands.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, use, or wield with the hands.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, control, or direct.
Handle
(transitive) To treat, to deal with (in a specified way).
She handled the news with grace
The Persians handled the French ambassador shamefully
Handle
(transitive) To deal with (a subject, argument, topic, or theme) in speaking, in writing, or in art.
Handle
(transitive) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell.
A merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock
Handle
To be concerned with; to be an expert in.
Handle
(transitive) To put up with; to endure (and continue to function).
I can't handle this hot weather.
Handle
(intransitive) To use the hands.
Handle
To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm; to commit handball.
Handle
(intransitive) To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed).
The car handles well
Handle
To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
About his altar, handling holy things.
Handle
To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year.
Handle
To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
Handle
To deal with; to make a business of.
They that handle the law knew me not.
Handle
To treat; to use, well or ill.
How wert thou handled being prisoner?
Handle
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
You shall see how I will handle her.
Handle
To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
Handle
To use the hands.
They have hands, but they handle not.
Handle
That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
Handle
That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.
Handle
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Handle
Be in charge of, act on, or dispose of;
I can deal with this crew of workers
This blender can't handle nuts
She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
Handle
Interact in a certain way;
Do right by her
Treat him with caution, please
Handle the press reporters gently
Handle
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
Handle
Touch, lift, or hold with the hands;
Don't handle the merchandise
Handle
Handle effectively;
The burglar wielded an axe
Handle
Show and train;
The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
Common Curiosities
What is a handle?
A handle is a part of an object designed for holding, or a verb meaning to manage or deal with something.
Can "handle" be used metaphorically?
Yes, "handle" can be used metaphorically to mean managing or coping with situations.
Who was Handel?
George Frideric Handel was an 18th-century composer famous for his operas, oratorios, and concertos.
What genre did Handel specialize in?
Handel specialized in Baroque music, particularly operas and oratorios.
Is "handle" a common term in technology?
Yes, in technology, "handle" often refers to an identifier for a resource or object.
What is Handel's most famous work?
Handel's most famous work is the "Messiah," an English-language oratorio.
Does "handle" have different meanings?
Yes, "handle" can mean physically holding something or dealing with a situation.
Can "handle" refer to understanding something?
Yes, to "handle" something can also mean having a good understanding or control over it.
How is "handle" used in everyday language?
"Handle" is used to describe managing situations or physically holding objects.
What is Handel's significance in music history?
Handel is significant for his impact on the development of opera, oratorio, and concerti grossi.
Was Handel only known for his religious compositions?
No, while famous for "Messiah," Handel also composed secular operas and instrumental music.
What distinguishes Handel's style?
Handel's style is characterized by dramatic expression, expansive melodies, and his integration of German, Italian, and English musical traditions.
What's the origin of the word "handle"?
"Handle" comes from Old English 'handlian,' meaning to touch, feel, or deal with.
Did Handel influence other composers?
Yes, Handel's work influenced many composers, including Mozart and Beethoven.
Is "handle" used in business contexts?
Yes, in business, "handle" can refer to managing tasks or situations effectively.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
