hand·some
Pronounced:
/ˈhænsəm/
Function:
adjectiveInflected forms:
hand·som·er; hand·som·estMeaning:
[also more hand*some; most hand*some] 1 : pleasing to look at : attractive ▪ It was a handsome house situated on a large lot. ▪ The book includes many handsome illustrations. ; especially of a person : having a pleasing appearance that causes romantic or sexual feelings in someone ▪ a handsome face ▪ I predict that someone tall, dark, and handsome is going to come into your life. ◊Men are more frequently described as handsome than women. synonyms beautiful
2 always used before a noun : large in size or amount ▪ He inherited a handsome fortune. ▪ He made a handsome profit on the sale of the house. ▪ They made handsome [=generous] contributions to charity.
3 always used before a noun : done or achieved in an impressive way ▪ The book is a handsome tribute to a great poet. ▪ (chiefly Brit) She won a handsome victory in the election.
2 always used before a noun : large in size or amount ▪ He inherited a handsome fortune. ▪ He made a handsome profit on the sale of the house. ▪ They made handsome [=generous] contributions to charity.
3 always used before a noun : done or achieved in an impressive way ▪ The book is a handsome tribute to a great poet. ▪ (chiefly Brit) She won a handsome victory in the election.
—hand·some·ly adverb ▪ The book is handsomely illustrated with ink drawings. ▪ He was handsomely [=generously] rewarded for his loyalty.
—hand·some·ness noun [noncount] ▪ an actor known for his rugged handsomeness