handsome
- 01 A2 Elementary
good-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.
Simple“He was a handsome man with dark hair and a kind smile.”
In context“The portrait depicted a handsome gentleman in his late fifties, whose sharp features and steady gaze suggested a life of disciplined leadership.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
large in amount or very generous.
denoting a substantial or impressive quantity, often in the context of money, gifts, or rewards.
Simple“The company offered him a handsome salary to join their team.”
In context“After twenty years of loyal service, the retiring clerk was granted a handsome pension that far exceeded his expectations.”
Synonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
looking expensive, high-quality, or impressive.
characterised by impressive proportions, high-quality craftsmanship, or an aesthetically pleasing design.
Simple“They lived in a handsome old house made of red brick.”
In context“The 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).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.