handan
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
Pleasing in appearance, especially for a man.
Substantial in size or amount; generous. Well-made or elegant.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically used for both men and women, but now primarily for men. Can describe things and amounts, implying an impressive or pleasing size/quantity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects use it primarily for male appearance. 'Handsome' for women is more common in UK English, though still formal/dated. The meaning 'generous/large' (e.g., a handsome profit) is equally used.
Connotations
Connotes classic, dignified, and well-proportioned good looks rather than cute or pretty. Slightly more formal than 'good-looking'.
Frequency
Higher frequency in written English than in casual spoken English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ N (attributive use)LINK-V ADJ (predicative use)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Handsome is as handsome does.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A handsome return on investment.
Academic
The manuscript was bound in a handsome leather cover.
Everyday
He's grown into a very handsome young man.
Technical
The yacht featured a handsome sheer line.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The duke was a handsome fellow with piercing blue eyes.
- They made a handsome donation to the local hospice.
- It was a handsome Georgian townhouse.
American English
- The actor is considered one of Hollywood's most handsome stars.
- The deal netted the company a handsome profit.
- He received a handsome settlement after the lawsuit.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is a handsome man.
- It is a handsome dog.
- Her brother has grown very handsome.
- They offered a handsome reward for the lost ring.
- The old hotel had a handsome facade.
- Investors enjoyed a handsome return that year.
- He was not merely good-looking but possessed a handsome, commanding presence.
- The publication was funded by a handsome grant from the arts council.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HAND+SOME: Imagine someone whose hands are so well-formed it makes the whole person attractive.
Conceptual Metaphor
VALUE IS SIZE (a handsome profit). CLASSICAL BEAUTY IS GEOMETRICAL PROPORTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'handy' (удобный). 'Handsome' for men is closer to 'красивый' (for a man) or 'статный'. For amounts, it's closer to 'солидный', 'значительный'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for young boys ('cute' is more appropriate). Overusing in informal speech. Incorrect: 'She is very handsome' (in modern casual contexts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'handsome' most typical for modern British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is formal, dated, or literary. It suggests dignified, striking beauty rather than delicate prettiness. In modern casual speech, 'beautiful' or 'stunning' is more common for women.
'Handsome' is more formal and often implies a classic, stately, or mature attractiveness. 'Good-looking' is more neutral and widely applicable.
Use it to describe something substantial and pleasing, like a 'handsome profit' (large), a 'handsome building' (elegant and impressive), or a 'handsome volume' (well-produced book).
It is used but not extremely common. Examples: 'He was handsomely rewarded for his work.' (generously) or 'The room was handsomely furnished.' (elegantly).