Meaning 1
Attractive in a strong, balanced, or dignified way.
Reach for it when complimenting a person's appearance or an object's well-proportioned design
The cedar frame makes a handsome border for the old map.
Meaning 2
Impressively generous or substantial in size or amount.
Reach for it when praising a contribution, margin, or reward as notably large
Ticket sales produced a handsome contribution to the repair fund.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| everyday | ||
| warm |
| |
| professional |
| |
| formal | ||
| literary |
everyday
Fits when broad visual appeal is enough without implying a particular style
Careful Attractive lacks the sturdy dignity that handsome often adds.
warm
Fits when appearance commands immediate notice
Careful Striking can be unusual or dramatic without being conventionally handsome.
formal
Fits when mature dignity and character shape the appeal
Careful Distinguished may praise bearing or reputation more than physical looks.
literary
Fits when you want an approving, slightly traditional compliment
Careful The phrase feels dated in modern professional descriptions.
everyday
sizable
Fits when the only claim is that the amount is fairly large
Careful Sizable only marks scale; the amount could still be unwelcome or unimpressive.
warm
Fits when the amount reflects openhanded giving
Careful Generous describes intent and proportion, while handsome only marks notable size.
professional
substantial
Fits when material size or value should sound objective
Careful Substantial is sober and loses the pleased approval carried by handsome.
handsome features
His handsome features were softened by an easy smile.
handsome building
The handsome building anchors the north side of the square.
handsome sum
Alumni raised a handsome sum for new music rooms.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.