French translation of handbreadth is 
handbreadth

Meaning of "handbreadth" in English

In English, "handbreadth" is a noun that refers to a unit of measurement that is approximately the width of a human hand, typically around 3 to 4 inches or 7.5 to 10 centimeters. This archaic term was historically used to measure short lengths in various cultures, especially before standardized measurements became popular. It is less common in contemporary usage but can still be found in historical texts or when describing dimensions in a more illustrative manner. The term conveys a sense of proximity and relatability, as the measurement is based on a human body part.

Meaning of "handbreadth" in French

In French, "handbreadth" translates to "main" or "pouce" when referring to a measurement unit similar in intent. It conveys the notion of measuring an object using the width of a human hand, approximately corresponding to a few inches or centimeters. This traditional unit of measurement is largely outdated but serves as an illustrative reference in historical or descriptive contexts. Although not commonly used in modern French, it highlights a human-centric approach to measurement, drawing connections to everyday life and familiar proportions.

Pronunciation of "handbreadth" in English

Phonetic Transcription: [ˈhændˌbrɛdθ]

Pronunciation Variations: In some regional dialects, the pronunciation may soften the 'd' to sound more like a softer "th" at the end, especially in informal speech settings.

Pronunciation of "handbreadth" in French

Phonetic Transcription: [mɛ̃]

Pronunciation Variations: As the direct translation isn't common in French, alternative terms like "pouce" [pus] might vary slightly in pronunciation depending on the regional accent in France or Quebec.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The doorway was only a handbreadth wider than the table. (L’embrasure de la porte était à peine plus large que la table d'une largeur de main.)
2. He measured the length of the rope using four handbreadths. (Il a mesuré la longueur de la corde en utilisant quatre largeurs de main.)
3. The gap between the two walls was just a handbreadth. (L’écart entre les deux murs était juste d'une largeur de main.)
4. Ancient builders often used the handbreadth as a unit of measurement. (Les anciens constructeurs utilisaient souvent la largeur de main comme unité de mesure.)
5. The bread loaf was about a handbreadth thick. (Le pain avait environ une largeur de main d'épaisseur.)
6. She estimated the book's thickness to be a handbreadth. (Elle a estimé que l'épaisseur du livre était d'une largeur de main.)
7. A handbreadth of snow had fallen overnight. (Une largeur de main de neige était tombée pendant la nuit.)
8. The artist used his handbreadth to scale the drawing. (L'artiste a utilisé sa largeur de main pour échelonner le dessin.)
9. The fabric store sold cloth by the handbreadth. (Le magasin de tissus vendait du tissu par largeur de main.)
10. He quickly judged the size of the opening by using his handbreadth. (Il a rapidement jugé la taille de l'ouverture en utilisant sa largeur de main.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "handbreadth" in English

Synonyms: palm, span, width, breadth, inch.

Antonyms: length, height, depth.

Similar Words: measure, unit, gauge, dimension.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "handbreadth" in French

Synonyms: paume, largeur.

Antonyms: longueur, hauteur, profondeur.

Similar Words: mesure, unité, dimension.

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