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handsome definition

hand·some (han′səm, hand′-)

adjective

    1. Now Rare moderately large
    2. large; impressive; considerable a handsome sum
  2. generous; magnanimous; gracious a handsome gesture
  3. good-looking; of pleasing appearance: said esp. of attractiveness that is manly, dignified, or impressive rather than delicate and graceful a handsome lad, a handsome chair

Etymology: orig., easily handled, convenient < ME handsom: see hand & -some

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

handsome Synonyms

handsome

modif.

  1. Beautiful or elegant

    fine, attractive, good-looking, beautiful, elegant, stately, well-proportioned, impressive, imposing, aristocratic, comely; see also beautiful 1, 2, dignified, stately 2.

  2. Having good masculine appearance

    good-looking, attractive, dapper, spruce, clean-cut, virile, well-built, athletic, personable, strong, muscular, smooth*, sharp*, sexy*, easy on the eyes*, tall*, dark and handsome*, cute*, hunky*; see also sense 1; manly.

    Antonyms homely, ugly*, unattractive.

  3. Large or extensive

    full, ample, considerable; see extensive 1, large 1.

  4. Noble

    gracious, princely, magnanimous; see noble 2, worthy. See syn. study at beautiful.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

handsome Usage Examples

Preposition: than

  • man: The Groom should always look more handsome than the best man.

Modifies a noun

  • mansion: The vicarage is a handsome stone mansion, a little south from the Church.

Modifying Another Word

  • ruggedly: Fillion is not only ruggedly handsome, but also has tremendous range.

Used with adjective complement

  • look: The Groom should always look more handsome than the best man.
handsome usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

handsome quotes

O you who turn the wheel and look to windward, Consider Phlebas, who was once handsome and tall as you.

-Eliot,T(homas) S(tearns)

The present fashion is always handsome.

-Fuller,Thomas

I am the ugliest fairy in the world, and I shall be till people behave themselves as they ought to do. And then I shall grow as handsome as my sister†Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby.

-Kingsley, Charles

handsome quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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MLA Style

"handsome." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 4 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/handsome>

APA Style

handsome. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 4th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/handsome

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