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Handshake

n. kind, thoughtful everyday

What it means

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.

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.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
everyday
warm
professional
formal

Meaning 1: A clasp of right hands used as a greeting or sign of respect.

  • everyday

    greeting

    Fits when the social welcome matters, not the physical gesture

    Careful Greeting includes words, bows, waves, and other customs with no touch.

  • warm

    handclasp

    Fits when the physical contact communicates warmth or support

    Careful Handclasp sounds literary and less conventional in a business introduction.

  • formal

    salutation

    Fits when a respectful opening is described without assuming contact

    Careful Salutation usually refers to words and sounds stiff for a physical handshake.

Meaning 2: An informal agreement or assurance between people.

  • everyday

    deal

    Fits when a practical bargain has been reached

    Careful Deal focuses on exchange and may imply enforceable terms that a handshake lacks.

  • professional

    understanding

    Fits when both parties share an informal view of what will happen

    Careful An understanding may be ambiguous and need not carry the clear commitment of a handshake.

  • formal

    gentleman's agreement

    Fits when an unwritten commitment rests on personal honor

    Careful The gendered phrase is dated and can conceal terms that should be explicit.

Opposites 4

  • avoidance
  • rejection
  • breach
  • repudiation

Common phrases 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.

Usage notes

Keep in mind

Greeting customs and comfort with touch vary; a handshake should not be treated as universally expected.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated