I. ˈhan(t)səm, ˈhaan-, ˈhain- adjective
( usually -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English handsom, handsum easy to manipulate, perhaps from (assumed) Middle Dutch handsaem (whence Dutch handzaam ), from hand + -saem -some (akin to Old High German -sam )
1. now dialect
a. : handy
b. : easy to handle or maneuver : suitable for handling
c. : conveniently near : ready and at hand
2. chiefly dialect
a. : appropriate , suitable
b. : of good quality
handsome vegetables
3.
a. : of considerable value or of scope large enough to gratify highly : sizable , ample
a very considerable, I may say a very handsome , inheritance — Ngaio Marsh
the soil, everywhere of handsome depth and finest quality — Thomas Carlyle
winning the election by a handsome margin
b. : marked by or calling for skillful execution : adroit , accomplished , apt
combining scholarship, imagination, literary flair, practical aptitude and personal gusto in the handsomest proportions — Richard Watts
4.
a. : marked by or given with becoming graciousness, generosity, largess, magnanimity : not sparing : not merely equable or proper
handsome contributions to charities
assuredly, the archbishop … leaves something handsome for the servants — George Borrow
b. : given to graceful commendation or laudation
passed a handsome resolution in my favor — R.M.Lovett
5. : having an impressive and pleasing appearance:
a. : attractive, well-proportioned, and good-looking usually in a way suggesting poise, dignity, and strength
with reddish brown hair, bright brown eyes, fine forehead, and firm mouth and chin, he was exceptionally handsome — Allan Nevins & H.S.Commager
though she had lost long ago her virginal loveliness, she had ripened … into a handsome and fruitful-looking woman — Ellen Glasgow
b. : imposing or noticeable through some combination of symmetry, proportion, size, or color
a very handsome house with white marble steps … and a delicate silver knocker — Frances Trollope
a very handsome … saddle, quilted on the seat with green plush, garnished with a double row of silver-headed studs — Laurence Sterne
the red lizard, a handsome … form of the common olive-brown newt — American Guide Series: New Hampshire
Synonyms: see beautiful , liberal
II. adverb
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English handsom, from handsom, handsum, adjective
now dialect : handsomely
handsome is as handsome does