Handsome

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Handsome

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

HAN-sum  /ˈhæns(ə)m/

Definition

(Of a person, typically a man) good-looking in an attractive, well-proportioned way; (of a thing) large, impressive, or attractive; (of an amount) generous or considerable.

Plain meaning

Handsome means attractive in a strong, well-proportioned way — typically applied to men but also to impressive buildings, generous sums of money, and well-made objects. It is a compliment with a specific quality: dignified rather than delicate.

Register

Neutral to slightly elevated. Handsome is a measured, dignified compliment — neither as gushing as beautiful nor as casual as good-looking. It carries a quality of appreciation for proportion and substance rather than prettiness. A handsome offer is a generous one; a handsome building is impressive rather than ornate.