handsome
handsome
Pronunciation
handsome
/ˈhæn.səm/
First Syllable (/hæn/):
/h/: voiceless glottal fricative (as in "hat")
/æ/: near-open front unrounded vowel (as in "cat")
/n/: alveolar nasal (as in "nap")
Second Syllable (/səm/):
/s/: voiceless alveolar sibilant (as in "sit")
/ə/: schwa (as in "about")
/m/: bilabial nasal (as in "mat")
Word Form Variations
Adjective: handsome
Comparative Adjective: handsomer
Superlative Adjective: handsomest
Adverb: handsomely
Noun: handsomeness (refers to the quality of being handsome)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: (Primarily of a man) Physically attractive or good-looking in a generally rugged, strong, or well-proportioned way, often implying a classic or enduring appeal rather than delicate beauty.
Synonyms: attractive, good-looking, striking, comely, dashing, prepossessing
Antonyms: unattractive, ugly, plain, homely, unhandsome
Definition 2: (Of a woman) Possessing a striking and dignified appearance, often implying an impressive rather than conventionally beautiful or delicate look, sometimes with an element of strength or maturity.
Synonyms: striking, stately, distinguished, commanding, statuesque
Antonyms: plain, homely, unhandsome
Definition 3: (Of things, actions, or amounts) Generous, considerable, or ample in size, quantity, or degree; notably large or impressive.
Synonyms: generous, substantial, considerable, ample, respectable, sizable
Antonyms: meager, paltry, small, insufficient, meager
Adverb
Definition: (handsomely) In a generous, considerable, or impressive manner; with a pleasing or elegant appearance.
Synonyms: generously, substantially, amply, beautifully, gracefully, elegantly
Antonyms: meagerly, scantily, plainly, ungracefully
Noun
Definition: (handsomeness) The quality or state of being handsome; the characteristic of having an attractive or impressive appearance.
Synonyms: attractiveness, comeliness, good looks, beauty, appeal, grace
Antonyms: unattractiveness, ugliness, plainness, homeliness
Examples of Use
Books:
"Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
"He had a handsome sum saved from his years of hard work, enough to buy a small cottage by the sea." (Fictional example, typical of many novels describing financial well-being)
"The old house, though dilapidated, still retained its handsome architectural lines, a testament to its former glory." (Fictional example, describing an object's aesthetic appeal)
Newspapers:
"The charity gala raised a handsome sum, far exceeding initial expectations, thanks to the generosity of local businesses." (The Daily Nation, "Local Charity Event Raises Record Funds,")
"The actor, known for his ruggedly handsome looks, will star in the upcoming historical drama." (The Standard, "Film Star Lands New Role,")
"A handsome reward is being offered for information leading to the safe return of the stolen artifacts." (The New York Times, "Museum Offers Reward for Stolen Art,")
Online Publications:
"Meet the new face of luxury menswear: a surprisingly handsome and understated collection that redefines modern elegance." (GQ.com, "New Luxury Menswear Collection Unveiled,")
"The real estate market is booming, with many sellers receiving handsome offers well above their asking price." (Forbes.com, "Housing Market Trends: A Seller's Paradise,")
"The website redesign features a more intuitive interface and a handsome new visual aesthetic." (TechCrunch.com, "Leading Tech Company Unveils New Website,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "He's not just rich, he's incredibly handsome – the perfect catch!" (Typical romantic comedy dialogue)
TV Series Description: "Detective Reynolds, known for his sharp mind and equally handsome appearance, takes on his most challenging case yet." (Netflix series synopsis for a crime drama)
Song Lyrics: "With a handsome smile and a charming way, he stole my heart that very day." (Common lyric theme in popular music)
Video Game Character Bio: "Sir Reginald, a handsome knight of the realm, renowned for his courage and chivalry." (RPG character description)
Podcast Discussion: "And then he walked in, tall, dark, and incredibly handsome, and I knew my life was about to change." (A personal anecdote shared on a storytelling podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"That's a handsome car you've got there!" (Casual conversation among friends admiring a vehicle)
"They gave a handsome donation to the school's new library." (Community members discussing philanthropy)
"She's a very handsome woman, carries herself with such grace." (Everyday compliment about a woman's dignified appearance)
"He made a handsome profit on that stock." (Discussion about financial gains)
"That's a handsome piece of furniture, really well-made." (Commenting on the quality and appearance of an object)
10 Famous Quotes Using Handsome
"Mr. Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a year." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
"What a handsome thing a man is when he's not a fool!" (Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan)
"A man should be like a good book, well-bound and handsome, but filled with substance." (Unknown, often attributed as a general sentiment)
"He was a handsome man, with a face that looked as if it had been carved out of rock by the elements." (Ernest Hemingway, For Whom the Bell Tolls)
"I have a very handsome policy for dealing with people who tell me what to do: I don't do it." (Author unknown, but a common humorous saying)
"Life is a handsome gift to us, and it is a handsome duty to give it back." (Irish Proverb)
"You're a handsome devil, aren't you?" (A common colloquial expression, often used playfully)
"Every reform, however necessary, will by weak minds be carried to an almost intolerable excess. But the handsome will of the good man will carry it on with wisdom." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essays: First Series)
"He made a handsome retreat, preserving his dignity despite the loss." (Figurative use, implying a graceful or strategic withdrawal, common in historical or military contexts)
"A handsome woman is a joy to behold, but a beautiful heart is a treasure to keep." (Lesser-known wisdom, reflecting common sentiment)
Etymology
The word "handsome" has a surprising journey through the English language!
It didn't start out meaning "good-looking" at all. Its roots are in Middle English, around the year 1400. Back then, "handsome" (or "handsom") literally meant "easy to handle," "ready at hand," or "convenient."
Think of it like something that was "handy" or "easy to manipulate with your hands." For example, an early text from 1440 talks about something being "Handsum, or esy to hond werke," meaning "easy to work by hand." So, a "handsome" tool would be one that was well-designed and comfortable to use.
From this idea of being "easy to handle," the meaning slowly expanded.
By the mid-1500s, it began to mean "fit" or "appropriate," like something that was well-suited for a particular purpose.
Then, in the late 1500s, the meaning shifted again to describe something with a "fine form," "good-looking," or "agreeable to the eye." This is where we start to see the connection to physical attractiveness. The idea was that something well-proportioned or well-made, like a handy tool, was also pleasing to look at.
Later, by the late 1600s, it also gained the sense of being "generous" or "ample," as in a "handsome reward" or a "handsome sum of money." This might have come from the idea of something being "full" or "complete" – a "handful" of something generous.
So, while today we mostly use "handsome" to describe an attractive person (especially a man), its original meaning was much more practical and about something being "handy" or "well-made."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Handsome
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "handsome," supplemented as needed:
A handsome sum/profit/reward: A generous or substantial amount of money or gain.
Handsome is as handsome does: Emphasizes that good character and deeds are more important than physical appearance.
To cut a handsome figure: To present an elegant or impressive appearance.
A handsome devil: A colloquial and often playful way to describe an attractive man.
A handsome lead/advantage: A significant or comfortable lead in a competition or situation.
A handsome job: A job done very well or impressively (less common, but understandable).
To land a handsome client/deal: To secure a very valuable or important client or business agreement (original usage, but clear).
To make a handsome exit/retreat: To leave or withdraw in a graceful and dignified manner, often despite a difficult situation (idiomatic use of "handsome" for dignified).
Handsomely rewarded/paid: To be compensated generously for one's efforts.
A striking appearance: (Using a synonym) Referring to someone or something that is notably good-looking or impressive.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of handsome from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
