handsome
HAN-suhm
Handsome (adj) means Good-looking, especially describing a man's attractive face or build. Example: “The actor was a handsome man with a warm smile.”
adj
1
Good-looking, especially describing a man's attractive face or build.
"The actor was a handsome man with a warm smile."
"Everyone agreed the groom looked incredibly handsome."
"He was tall, dark, and handsome, just like in the novels."
2
Generously large; considerable in amount.
"The charity received a handsome donation from a local business owner."
"They sold the old house for a handsome profit and moved abroad."
"She received a handsome bonus at the end of the year."
How to use handsome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGood-looking (usually of men), or generously sized when describing an amount.
Common mistake
Traditionally applied to men, but is increasingly used to describe striking, strong-featured women too.
Common pairings
handsome man
a handsome sum
handsome profit
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- handsomes
- Past tense
- handsomed
- Comparative
- more handsome, handsomer
- Superlative
- most handsome, handsomest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The actor was a _____ man with a warm smile.
Etymology
From Middle English handsum ("easy to handle"), from "hand" + "-some." The meaning shifted over time from "convenient" to "attractive" by the late 1500s.
Class of 1500
handsome joined the language around 1500.
See the full Class of 1500 →
Synonyms
View more →
good-looking
attractive
striking
comely
generous
considerable
giving
big
freehanded
bountiful
bounteous
bighearted
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for handsome
See all rhymes for handsome →Frequently asked questions
What does “handsome” mean?
The word “handsome” means good-looking, especially describing a man's attractive face or build. In plain terms, good-looking (usually of men), or generously sized when describing an amount.
How do you pronounce “handsome”?
“Handsome” is pronounced HAN-suhm (/ˈhæn.səm/ in IPA).
How do you use “handsome” in a sentence?
Here is “handsome” used in a sentence: “Everyone agreed the groom looked incredibly handsome.”
What part of speech is “handsome”?
“Handsome” is an adjective.
Where does the word “handsome” come from?
The word “handsome” dates back to around 1500 and comes from Middle English. From Middle English handsum ("easy to handle"), from "hand" + "-some." The meaning shifted over time from "convenient" to "attractive" by the late 1500s.
Is “handsome” a common word?
“Handsome” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “handsome” have?
“Handsome” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: good-looking, especially describing a man's attractive face or build.
What is the difference between 'handsome' and 'beautiful'?
'Handsome' typically describes an attractive, well-proportioned appearance, most often a man's face or build, and can suggest strength or dignity. 'Beautiful' expresses a fuller, more delicate sense of attractiveness and is applied widely to people, scenery, and objects.
Can 'handsome' be used to describe a woman?
Yes, though the sense shifts. Applied to a woman, 'handsome' usually suggests striking, dignified, or strong good looks rather than delicate prettiness. It is a respectful description, distinct from words like 'pretty' or 'cute'.
What is the difference between 'handsome' and 'good-looking'?
Both describe an attractive appearance, but 'good-looking' is neutral and applies equally to any person. 'Handsome' carries a slightly more formal or admiring tone and traditionally leans toward a masculine, well-built look.
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