adj.
Pronunciation: ' han(t)-s ə m
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: hand · som · er ; -est
Etymology: Middle English handsom easy to manipulate
Date: 1530
1 chiefly dialect : APPROPRIATE , SUITABLE
2 : moderately large : SIZABLE <a painting that commanded a handsome price>
3 : marked by skill or cleverness : ADROIT
4 : marked by graciousness or generosity : LIBERAL < handsome contributions to charity>
5 : having a pleasing and usually impressive or dignified appearance
synonyms see BEAUTIFUL
– hand · some · ly adverb
– hand · some · ness noun