Handshake
n.kind, thoughtfuleveryday
Meaning 1
A clasp of right hands used as a greeting or sign of respect.
Reach for it when describing conventional physical greeting while respecting consent and custom
A brief handshake opened the meeting before everyone took their seats.
Choose between these
3- everyday
the social welcome matters, not the physical gesture
not when Greeting includes words, bows, waves, and other customs with no touch.
- warm
the physical contact communicates warmth or support
not when Handclasp sounds literary and less conventional in a business introduction.
- formal
salutation
a respectful opening is described without assuming contact
not when Salutation usually refers to words and sounds stiff for a physical handshake.
Meaning 2
An informal agreement or assurance between people.
Reach for it when emphasizing personal trust where terms may not be written
The handshake held until the detailed contract was ready.
Choose between these
3- everyday
deal
a practical bargain has been reached
not when Deal focuses on exchange and may imply enforceable terms that a handshake lacks.
- professional
both parties share an informal view of what will happen
not when An understanding may be ambiguous and need not carry the clear commitment of a handshake.
- formal
gentleman's agreement
an unwritten commitment rests on personal honor
not when The gendered phrase is dated and can conceal terms that should be explicit.
Said against
4- avoidance
- rejection
- breach
- repudiation
It naturally appears in
4- firm handshake
A firm handshake is not a reliable measure of confidence or character.
- offer a handshake
She chose to offer a handshake after checking that the greeting was welcome.
- handshake agreement
The handshake agreement was followed by a written schedule and clear responsibilities.
- seal with a handshake
They did not seal with a handshake until every participant understood the terms.
Where this comes from
Greeting customs and comfort with touch vary; a handshake should not be treated as universally expected.
- Wiktionary, English noun sense 1: a clasping of hands as greeting opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- Wiktionary, English noun figurative sense: an agreement sealed informally opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.