Comely
What it means
Pleasantly attractive in appearance, with a deliberately old-fashioned tone.
Reach for it when describing traditional visual appeal in literary or historical writing
A comely brick house stood behind rows of lavender and thyme.
Words to choose between 6
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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everyday
Fits when you need a neutral modern description of appeal
Careful Attractive lacks the antique, decorous coloring of comely.
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everyday
Fits when direct informal physical appeal is enough
Careful The phrase sounds contemporary and blunt where comely adds period texture.
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warm
Fits when affection and pleasure accompany the judgment
Careful Lovely is emotionally warmer and much broader than appearance.
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warm
Fits when delicate or conventional beauty is intended
Careful Pretty can sound diminutive when the subject has dignified presence.
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formal
Fits when well-proportioned, substantial good looks are central
Careful Handsome carries a stronger, more structured kind of beauty.
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literary
Fits when an archaic poetic register is fully intentional
Careful Fair has several modern meanings and may confuse readers outside a literary context.
Opposites 3
- unattractive
- unsightly
- homely
Common phrases 3
-
comely appearance
The inn's comely appearance owed more to proportion than ornament.
-
comely figure
A comely figure in a green coat greeted travelers at the gate.
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comely building
The comely building retained its carved oak doorway.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Comely is current but uncommon and can sound archaic when applied to a person.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Neskaya, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated