Meaning 1
In a visually pleasing, polished, or dignified manner.
Reach for it when praising how an object, room, or publication has been presented
The quiet lobby is handsomely finished in dark oak.
Meaning 2
With notable generosity or an ample material return.
Reach for it when describing generous payment, reward, or provision
The cooperative handsomely rewarded members after a strong year.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| warm | ||
| professional |
| |
| formal |
|
warm
Fits when the result gives straightforward visual pleasure
Careful Beautifully is broader and more emotional than this dignified kind of praise.
professional
Fits when overall impact matters more than conventional beauty
Careful Something may impress through scale or novelty while looking severe.
formal
Fits when refined taste and graceful restraint create the appeal
Careful Elegant can suggest delicacy rather than the solid attractiveness of handsomely.
warm
Fits when openhanded treatment of a person deserves emphasis
Careful Generously points to spirit and fairness, not necessarily a large final amount.
professional
profitably
Fits when the favorable financial return is the relevant result
Careful Profitably does not imply anyone paid or treated the subject handsomely.
formal
amply
Fits when the provision comfortably covers what is needed
Careful Amply can mean merely sufficient and may undersell an exceptional reward.
handsomely appointed
The reading room is handsomely appointed without feeling grand.
handsomely illustrated
The field guide is handsomely illustrated with precise watercolors.
handsomely rewarded
The winning apprentices were handsomely rewarded for their designs.
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
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