Fifth vs. Handle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
Fifth refers to a quantity one part in five, typically used in divisions or sequences, while a handle is a part designed to be held by the hand for manipulation.
Difference Between Fifth and Handle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
In common usage, a fifth often pertains to a fractional part of a whole, specifically one out of five parts, indicating a sequence or a position. Conversely, a handle generally refers to a part of an object designed for gripping or holding, providing ease of use and functionality.
While a fifth can denote an ordinal position in ordered sets, such as being the fifth in line or the fifth note in a musical scale, a handle serves a practical purpose, aiding in the physical interaction with various tools, containers, and machinery.
The concept of a fifth can extend to mathematical and statistical contexts where it might represent quintiles or other divisions of data, whereas handles are integral to the design and ergonomics of objects, ensuring safety and comfort during use.
In cultural contexts, a fifth might symbolize a measure of liquor in the United States, historically denoting a bottle containing one-fifth of a gallon, while the design of handles may vary culturally, reflecting aesthetic and functional preferences specific to each region.
When considering user interaction, a fifth may be less frequently encountered in daily conversation outside specific references like musical terms or rankings, but handles are ubiquitous, present in everyday objects from doors to tools, emphasizing their role in functionality and practicality.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
One part in five, an ordinal number
Part of an object designed for gripping
Usage in Context
Fractional sequences, ordinal positions
Physical interaction with objects
Example in Measurement
Liquor bottle (one-fifth of a gallon)
Door handle, suitcase handle
Importance in Usability
Less direct in daily usage
Essential for functionality
Cultural Symbolism
Can denote segments in data or music
Varies by design, reflects usability and aesthetic
Compare with Definitions
Fifth
Fraction equivalent to one in five parts.
He owns a fifth of the company shares.
Handle
A part of an object designed for holding.
The handle on the cup was broken.
Fifth
Pertaining to the number five in a sequence.
She finished fifth in the race.
Handle
A name or term by which something is known.
His handle on the radio is Eagle1.
Fifth
In music, an interval spanning five consecutive notes.
The composition features a rising fifth.
Handle
To control a vehicle or equipment.
He handles the bike with great skill.
Fifth
Denoting the fifth element in a set or series.
The fifth item on the list is hers.
Handle
A handle is a part of, or attachment to, an object that allows it to be grasped and manipulated by hand. The design of each type of handle involves substantial ergonomic issues, even where these are dealt with intuitively or by following tradition.
Fifth
The ordinal number matching the number five in a series.
Handle
To touch, lift, or hold with the hands
You should wash your hands before you handle food.
Fifth
One of five equal parts.
Handle
To operate with the hands; manipulate
Can handle a jigsaw.
Fifth
One fifth of a gallon or four fifths of a quart of liquor.
Handle
To deal with or have responsibility for; conduct
Handles matters of corporate law.
Fifth
A tone five degrees above or below a given tone in a diatonic scale.
Handle
To cope with or dispose of
Handles problems efficiently.
Fifth
The interval between two such tones.
Handle
To direct, execute, or dispose of
Handle an investment.
Fifth
The harmonic combination of two such tones.
Handle
To manage, administer to, or represent
Handle a boxer.
Fifth
The dominant of a scale or key.
Handle
To deal or trade in the purchase or sale of
A branch office that handles grain exports.
Fifth
Fifth The Fifth Amendment. Used with the.
Handle
To act or function in a given way while in operation
A car that handles well in the snow.
Fifth
The ordinal form of the number five.
Handle
A part that is designed to be held or operated with the hand
The handle of a suitcase.
The handle of a faucet.
Fifth
The person or thing in the fifth position.
Handle
A means of understanding or control
Has a handle on the situation.
Fifth
One of five equal parts of a whole.
Handle
(Slang) A person's name.
Fifth
The fifth gear of an engine.
Handle
An alternate name or nickname, especially one chosen for self-identification on online forums or citizens band radio.
Fifth
A quantity of liquor equal to one-fifth of a gallon, or, more commonly, 750 milliliters (that is, three quarters of a liter).
Handle
(Games) The total amount of money bet on an event or over a set period of time.
Fifth
(music) The musical interval between one note and another seven semitones higher (the fifth note in the major/minor scale)
Handle
The part of an object which is (designed to be) held in the hand when used or moved.
Fifth
The fifth voice in a polyphonic melody.
Handle
An instrument for effecting a purpose (either literally or figuratively); a tool, or an opportunity or pretext.
Fifth
(music) To sing in the fifth voice in a polyphonic melody.
Handle
(gambling) The gross amount of wagering within a given period of time or for a given event at one of more establishments.
The daily handle of a Las Vegas casino is typically millions of dollars.
Fifth
(transitive) To support something fifth, after four others have already done so.
Handle
(textiles) The tactile qualities of a fabric, e.g., softness, firmness, elasticity, fineness, resilience, and other qualities perceived by touch.
Fifth
To divide by five.
Handle
(slang) A name, nickname or pseudonym.
Fifth
Next in order after the fourth; - the ordinal of five.
Handle
(slang) A title attached to one's name, such as Doctor or Colonel.
The successful businessman was knighted and acquired a handle to his name.
Fifth
Consisting of one of five equal divisions of a thing.
Handle
(computing) A reference to an object or structure that can be stored in a variable.
This article describes how to find the module name from the window handle.
Fifth
The quotient of a unit divided by five; one of five equal parts; a fifth part.
Handle
A 10 fluid ounce (285 mL) glass of beer.
Fifth
The interval of three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the dominant of any key.
Handle
(US) A half-gallon (1.75-liter) bottle of alcohol.
Fifth
A quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon
Handle
A point, an extremity of land.
The Handle of the Sug in Newfoundland
Fifth
Position five in a countable series of things;
He was fifth out of several hundred runners
Handle
(topology) A topological space homeomorphic to a ball but viewed as a product of two lower-dimensional balls.
Fifth
A fifth part
Handle
(algebraic geometry) The smooth, irreducible subcurve of a comb which connects to each of the other components in exactly one point.
Fifth
The musical interval between one note and another five notes away from it
Handle
(transitive) To touch; to feel or hold with the hand(s).
Fifth
Coming next after the fourth and just before the sixth in position
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to take care of with the hands.
Fifth
A fifth of liquor, especially a bottle size.
He bought a fifth of whiskey.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, use, or wield with the hands.
Handle
(transitive) To manage, control, or direct.
Handle
(transitive) To treat, to deal with (in a specified way).
She handled the news with grace
The Persians handled the French ambassador shamefully
Handle
(transitive) To deal with (a subject, argument, topic, or theme) in speaking, in writing, or in art.
Handle
(transitive) To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell.
A merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock
Handle
To be concerned with; to be an expert in.
Handle
(transitive) To put up with; to endure (and continue to function).
I can't handle this hot weather.
Handle
(intransitive) To use the hands.
Handle
To illegally touch the ball with the hand or arm; to commit handball.
Handle
(intransitive) To behave in a particular way when handled (managed, controlled, directed).
The car handles well
Handle
To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.
Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh.
About his altar, handling holy things.
Handle
To manage in using, as a spade or a musket; to wield; often, to manage skillfully.
That fellow handles his bow like a crowkeeper.
Handle
To accustom to the hand; to work upon, or take care of, with the hands.
The hardness of the winters forces the breeders to house and handle their colts six months every year.
Handle
To receive and transfer; to have pass through one's hands; hence, to buy and sell; as, a merchant handles a variety of goods, or a large stock.
Handle
To deal with; to make a business of.
They that handle the law knew me not.
Handle
To treat; to use, well or ill.
How wert thou handled being prisoner?
Handle
To manage; to control; to practice skill upon.
You shall see how I will handle her.
Handle
To use or manage in writing or speaking; to treat, as a theme, an argument, or an objection.
We will handle what persons are apt to envy others.
Handle
To use the hands.
They have hands, but they handle not.
Handle
That part of vessels, instruments, etc., which is held in the hand when used or moved, as the haft of a sword, the knob of a door, the bail of a kettle, etc.
Handle
That of which use is made; the instrument for effecting a purpose; a tool.
Handle
The appendage to an object that is designed to be held in order to use or move it;
He grabbed the hammer by the handle
It was an old briefcase but it still had a good grip
Handle
Be in charge of, act on, or dispose of;
I can deal with this crew of workers
This blender can't handle nuts
She managed her parents' affairs after they got too old
Handle
Interact in a certain way;
Do right by her
Treat him with caution, please
Handle the press reporters gently
Handle
Deal with verbally or in some form of artistic expression;
This book deals with incest
The course covered all of Western Civilization
The new book treats the history of China
Handle
Touch, lift, or hold with the hands;
Don't handle the merchandise
Handle
Handle effectively;
The burglar wielded an axe
Handle
Show and train;
The prize-winning poodle was handled by Mrs. Priscilla Prescott
Handle
To manage or deal with a situation.
She can handle the project's management well.
Handle
To process or manipulate information.
The system handles data efficiently.
Common Curiosities
How does the design of a handle affect its functionality?
The design of a handle affects its functionality by enhancing ergonomics, which can improve comfort and safety during use.
What does a fifth refer to in music?
In music, a fifth refers to an interval between two notes that are five degrees apart in a musical scale.
Can a fifth be a measurement of volume?
Yes, historically, a fifth was used as a measurement for liquor bottles, equal to one-fifth of a U.S. gallon.
How is a fifth used in statistics?
In statistics, a fifth may be used to describe one of five equal parts of a data set, such as a quintile.
Why are handles important on tools?
Handles on tools are crucial because they provide leverage, control, and safety, enabling precise manipulation and reducing the risk of injury.
What is a common use of a handle in everyday objects?
Handles are commonly used on doors, tools, and containers to aid in gripping and manipulating them.
In what contexts might "fifth" be used outside of measurements and music?
"Fifth" can be used in rankings or order in lists, competitions, and hierarchical classifications, or in mathematical divisions and statistical representations.
How does the material of a handle influence its use?
The material of a handle affects its durability, grip, thermal insulation, and overall suitability for different environments, impacting how effectively it can be used in various tasks.
What distinguishes a fifth from other fractional parts?
A fifth specifically represents one part of something divided into five equal sections, differentiating it from other fractions like a quarter or a third, which represent one-fourth and one-third respectively.
How does the usage of "fifth" differ in musical terminology?
In musical terminology, a "fifth" specifically refers to a musical interval that spans five steps in the standard diatonic scale, crucial for harmony and chord structures.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
