handsome
adj.-
1 attractive person (adj.) A2 Elementarygood-looking or attractive, often used for men or for women with strong, classic features.
physically attractive in a way that suggests health, strength, and dignity; traditionally applied to men, though it may describe women with impressive or stately features.
ExampleHe was a handsome man with dark hair and a kind smile.
ExampleThe portrait depicted a handsome gentleman in his late fifties, whose sharp features and steady gaze suggested a life of disciplined leadership.
- good looking
- attractive
- striking
-
2 large or generous (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatelarge in amount or very generous.
denoting a substantial or impressive quantity, often in the context of money, gifts, or rewards.
ExampleThe company offered him a handsome salary to join their team.
ExampleAfter twenty years of loyal service, the retiring clerk was granted a handsome pension that far exceeded his expectations.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 well-made or impressive (adj.) B1 Intermediatelooking expensive, high-quality, or impressive.
characterised by impressive proportions, high-quality craftsmanship, or an aesthetically pleasing design.
ExampleThey lived in a handsome old house made of red brick.
ExampleThe library was housed in a handsome Victorian building, featuring high ceilings and ornate woodwork that had been meticulously restored.
From Middle English handsum, hondsom, equivalent to hand + -some. Compare Dutch handzaam, German Low German handsaam. The original sense was ‘easy to handle or use’, hence ‘suitable’ and ‘apt, clever’ (mid 16th century), giving rise to the current appreciatory senses (late 16th century).
- Adjectivehandsome
- Adverbhandsomely