Deal with vs. Handle

Attribute	Deal with	Handle
Definition	to take action in order to solve a problem or difficult situation	to manage or cope with a situation or problem
Synonyms	address, tackle, confront	manage, deal with, cope with
Usage	often used in a more general sense	often used in a more specific or practical sense
Emotional connotation	can imply a more proactive or direct approach	can imply a more passive or reactive approach

Definition

When it comes to dealing with a situation or problem, it typically involves addressing or managing it in some way. It can also refer to negotiating or coming to an agreement with someone. On the other hand, handling something often implies taking control or managing a situation in a skillful or effective manner. Both deal with and handle involve taking action to address a situation, but they may differ in the approach or method used.

Usage

Deal with is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. It can refer to managing a problem, situation, or task. For example, "I need to deal with this difficult customer." Handle, on the other hand, is often used in situations where there is a need for skill or expertise. For instance, "She can handle any crisis that comes her way." Handle may imply a sense of control or mastery over a situation, while deal with may be more neutral in tone.

Connotation

Deal with can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting that the situation is difficult or unpleasant. For example, "I have to deal with a lot of stress at work." Handle, on the other hand, may have a more positive connotation, indicating that the person is capable or competent in managing the situation. For instance, "He can handle any challenge that comes his way." The connotations of deal with and handle can vary depending on the context in which they are used.

Responsibility

When someone is asked to deal with a situation, it may imply that they are responsible for resolving it. For example, "You need to deal with this issue before it gets out of hand." Handle, on the other hand, may suggest that the person has the ability or skill to manage the situation effectively. For instance, "She can handle the project on her own." Both deal with and handle can imply a sense of responsibility, but handle may emphasize the person's capability or expertise in managing the situation.

Emotional Impact

Dealing with a situation may involve addressing emotional or personal issues. For example, "I need to deal with my feelings about the breakup." Handle, on the other hand, may focus more on the practical or logistical aspects of a situation. For instance, "She can handle the logistics of the event." While both deal with and handle can involve emotional or practical aspects, deal with may emphasize the emotional impact of a situation, while handle may focus more on the practical aspects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deal with and handle are both verbs that involve taking action to address a situation or problem. While deal with is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts, handle often implies a sense of skill or expertise in managing a situation. The connotations of deal with and handle can vary, with deal with sometimes having a negative connotation and handle having a more positive connotation. Both deal with and handle can imply a sense of responsibility, but handle may emphasize the person's capability or expertise in managing the situation. Overall, the choice between deal with and handle may depend on the specific context and the desired tone or connotation of the sentence.