openhanded

Openhanded, also written open-handed, is an adjective meaning generous or liberal in giving money, goods, or aid. A person described as openhanded gives freely, often without expecting anything in return. The term can apply to individuals, organizations, or policies that allocate resources generously.

Etymology: The phrase derives from the literal image of an open hand, ready to give or receive. It has appeared in English since the early modern period. The hyphenated form open-handed is common in contemporary usage, while openhanded is encountered in some texts and stylistic choices.

Usage: Openhanded carries a positive valence, highlighting generosity and magnanimity. In some contexts, it can imply imprudence or indiscriminate giving if not tempered by judgment. It commonly appears in discussions of gifts, hospitality, charitable donations, or public aid.

In literature and rhetoric, openhanded is used to evoke warmth and generosity, often in contrast with terms like tightfisted, stingy, or parsimonious. Variants like open-handedness exist as nouns to describe the quality itself.

See also: benevolence, generosity, munificence, philanthropy; contrast with close-fisted or tightfisted.