handsome
handsome Lexical Profile
handsome Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
(Especially of a man) physically attractive, pleasing to look at, and well-proportioned.
"The tall, handsome actor quickly became the favorite to play the leading role in the historical drama."
(Of a number, sum of money, or margin) substantial, generous, or considerable.
"The early investors earned a handsome profit when the technology company went public."
(Of an object, building, or animal) well-made, imposing, and of pleasing design or proportions.
"They purchased a handsome nineteenth-century mahogany desk for the university library."
(Of a woman) having a striking, dignified, and imposing appearance rather than conventional or delicate prettiness.
"The portrait depicted a handsome woman in her sixties with sharp cheekbones and an air of quiet authority."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'handsome' is most commonly applied to men to describe conventional physical attractiveness, when applied to women it specifically denotes a striking, dignified, and well-proportioned appearance rather than delicate beauty.
• Rhymes for handsome
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in Middle English from 'hand' and the suffix '-some', originally meaning 'easy to handle' or 'ready at hand', before evolving in the 16th century to mean 'fitting', 'generous', and eventually 'physically attractive'.