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handsome

HAN-suhm/ˈhæn.səm/

9 meanings of handsome

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  1. 1
    good-looking manadjective
    Nice to look at in a manly way, used about men and boys.

    Her brother is tall and handsome.

    The handsome boy in the photo is my dad at sixteen.

    UsageUsually for men. For women, say pretty or beautiful; a handsome woman looks strong and grand.

    Similargood-looking, attractive

    Oppositeugly, unattractive

    Note
  2. 2
    nice-looking (things)adjective
    Nice to look at, used about people and things.

    They live in a handsome old house by the river.

    What a handsome horse!

    Similarattractive, fine, elegant, striking

    Oppositeugly, unattractive, plain

    Note
  3. 3
    quite largeadjective
    Quite large, usually about an amount of money.

    He gets a handsome salary at the bank.

    They paid a handsome price for the old car.

    UsageOften in a handsome profit, a handsome sum, or a handsome salary.

    Similarsubstantial, hefty

    Oppositepaltry, meager, slim

    Note
  4. 4
    striking womanadjective
    Beautiful in a strong, bold, or grand way, used about a woman.

    Their teacher was a tall, handsome woman who always stood very straight.

    People said the queen in the painting looked handsome rather than pretty.

    Similarstriking, statuesque, imposing

    Oppositeplain, unattractive

  5. 5
    impressiveadjective
    Good and right for the situation, done well.

    He made a handsome apology, and his friend forgave him at once.

    In her speech, she paid a handsome tribute to her parents.

    Similarfine, admirable

    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of handsome apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It comes from hand + -some and first meant "easy to handle or use". Over time it became a word of praise.

Checked 30 Oct 2026 · 3 facts