distribute
The teacher handed out the test papers to the students.
hand out — 2 meanings
Same words, different jobs. Compare the meanings side by side so you know which one fits the situation.
phrasal verb2 meanings
hand outsame phrase
Which one do you mean?
dispense punishment or criticism
The coach was quick to hand out criticism after the team's disappointing performance.
Unlock the practice layer
Free: compare the meanings and see one natural example. Pro adds deeper examples, listening, saved confusing meanings, and review.
Meanings in detail
1. distribute
B1neutralboth
to give something to each person in a group, usually by passing it to them one by one.
The teacher handed out the test papers to the students.
Pro depth
Unlock deeper examples, listening, common mistakes, and review with Pro.
Sign in to unlock2. dispense punishment or criticism
C1neutralboth
to impose or deliver punishment, criticism, or other negative consequences, often in an official or authoritative way.
The coach was quick to hand out criticism after the team's disappointing performance.
Pro depth
Unlock deeper examples, listening, common mistakes, and review with Pro.
Sign in to unlockTurn this confusion into speaking practice
Practise one meaning at a time, save confusing meanings, review later, and listen to natural examples when generated audio is ready.