To pass something from an older or higher source to a younger or lower one, or to officially deliver a judgement.
To give something old or important to someone younger or less powerful.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To give or leave possessions, traditions, or knowledge to younger generations.
"This gold watch was handed down to me by my grandfather."
"These are values that were handed down through generations."
— Barack Obama, campaign speech, 2008
(Law) To officially announce or deliver a verdict, sentence, or ruling.
"The judge handed down a ten-year sentence to the convicted criminal."
To pass used clothing or belongings to a younger sibling or relative.
"As the youngest of five children, she always wore clothes handed down from her sisters."
To use your hand to move something downward to someone at a lower level.
To give something old or important to someone younger or less powerful.
Has two very different but common uses: (1) passing heirlooms, traditions, or knowledge across generations, and (2) a court or authority officially delivering a sentence or ruling. Sense 2 is largely confined to legal and formal contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
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