left-handed

• Se dit d'une personne qui utilise naturellement plus souvent la main gauche que la droite pour les actions courantes, ou d'un objet conçu pour être utilisé de cette manière.

Describes a person who uses their left hand more naturally than their right, or an object designed for use by such a person.

1. Using or intended for the left handA2formal

   Designed for or performed with the left hand, or preferring to use the left hand for tasks.

   gaucher

   • She is left-handed and uses a special pair of scissors.
   • Left-handed people often find it difficult to use standard tools.
   • He bought a left-handed guitar to play comfortably.

   Synonymesleft-handleftysinistralsouthpaw

   Antonymesright-handed

2. Illicit or informal (marriage)C2formalbritish

   Referring to a marriage that is not legally or socially recognized, often secretive or improper.

   Mariage clandestin ou non reconnu

   • In some historical contexts, a left-handed marriage was considered scandalous.
   • The novel describes a left-handed union between a nobleman and a commoner.
   • Left-handed marriages were often kept hidden from society.

   Synonymesclandestinecovertillegitimateillicitinformalsecretunlawfulunofficial

3. Morganatic marriageC2formalbritish

   A marriage between a person of high rank and one of lower rank, where the lower-ranking spouse does not gain the higher rank and children do not inherit titles or property.

   Mariage morganatique

   • The king entered a left-handed marriage with a commoner, ensuring his heirs would not inherit the throne.
   • Left-handed marriages were common among European royalty to preserve dynastic lines.
   • The terms of a left-handed marriage were strictly outlined in the contract.

   Synonymesmorganatic

4. Rotating to the leftB2formal

   Describing a direction of rotation that is counterclockwise or to the left.

   Qui tourne vers la gauche (sens antihoraire)

   • The left-handed screw requires a special tool to tighten.
   • In some machinery, left-handed threads are used to prevent loosening.
   • The propeller rotates in a left-handed direction.

   Synonymesanticlockwisecounterclockwiselevorotatorysinistrorse

   Antonymesclockwiseright-handed

5. Ironically ambiguousC1formal

   Having a meaning that is ambiguous or ironic, often with a double or sarcastic interpretation.

   Ironiquement ambigu

   • His left-handed compliment left her unsure whether to feel flattered or insulted.
   • The politician's left-handed statement was interpreted in different ways by the media.
   • She gave a left-handed apology that seemed insincere.

   Synonymesambiguousbackhandeddouble-edgedequivocalinsincereironicsarcastic

6. Clumsy or awkwardB2informal

   Lacking physical coordination or skill, especially with the hands.

   maladroit, qui manque d'habileté manuelle

   • He was so left-handed that he could barely tie his shoes.
   • Her left-handed attempt at painting was messy but charming.
   • The left-handed handling of the tools caused several accidents.

   Synonymesawkwardbunglingbutterfingeredclumsygracelessham-fistedheavy-handedineptmaladroitungainly

   Antonymesadroitdexterousgracefulskillful