handsome
Handsome describes a person who looks very good or an amount of money that is quite large.
Explanation at your level:
You use the word handsome to say a man looks good. If a man has a nice face, you can say he is handsome. It is a very nice word to use when you want to give a compliment. You can also use it for money. If you get a lot of money, you can say you got a handsome amount.
When you see a man who is very attractive, you can call him handsome. It is similar to saying 'good-looking'. We often use it in sentences like 'He is a handsome man.' You can also use it to describe a big amount of money, like 'a handsome salary.' It makes your English sound more descriptive and interesting.
The adjective handsome is a great way to describe someone with strong, well-proportioned features. While it is mostly used for men, it implies a sense of elegance and strength. Beyond people, it is a common collocation for money. If someone receives a 'handsome reward', it means they were paid a significant or generous amount. It is a step up from basic words like 'good' or 'big'.
In B2 level English, you will notice that handsome carries a slightly more formal tone than 'good-looking'. It suggests a classic, refined aesthetic. In a business or formal context, using 'handsome' to describe profits, returns, or budgets adds a professional flair. It shows you understand how to use adjectives to convey scale and quality simultaneously.
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the nuance of handsome. It is not just about superficial beauty; it often implies a certain stature or dignity. In literary contexts, it might describe a building or a piece of furniture that is impressive and well-crafted. When discussing finance, it is a sophisticated alternative to 'large' or 'substantial', providing a sense of satisfaction regarding the size of the sum involved.
Mastering handsome involves understanding its historical shift from 'handy' to 'attractive'. In high-level discourse, you might use it to describe an 'elegant' solution or an 'impressive' gesture. It carries a traditional, almost timeless quality. Whether describing a person's character-filled face or a substantial financial windfall, it is a word that conveys both quality and quantity with a touch of classic English style.
30초 단어
- Handsome describes attractive men.
- It also means a large amount of money.
- The 'd' is silent.
- It is a versatile and polite adjective.
Hey there! Let's talk about the word handsome. Most people think of it as a way to describe a good-looking man, but it is actually quite a versatile word.
When we use it for people, it implies a certain level of dignity and strength in someone's appearance. It's more than just 'pretty'; it suggests a balance of features that look sharp and well-put-together.
Beyond looks, you might hear someone say they made a handsome profit. Here, the word shifts meaning to represent something impressive, generous, or substantial in size. It's a great word to have in your vocabulary because it adds a touch of sophistication to your sentences!
The history of handsome is a fun linguistic puzzle! It comes from the Middle English word hand-some, which literally meant 'easy to handle' or 'handy'.
Back in the 15th century, it didn't describe beauty at all. It described something that was useful, convenient, or well-made. Over time, the meaning evolved to imply that if a person was 'well-made' or 'handy' in their movements, they were likely pleasant to look at.
By the 16th century, the meaning shifted toward physical beauty. It is fascinating how a word that once meant 'easy to use' became a standard compliment for physical attractiveness. It shows how language is always changing to fit our needs!
You will mostly see handsome used as an adjective before a noun. For example, a handsome man or a handsome salary.
It is important to note that while it is traditionally used for men, it can sometimes be used for women to describe a striking, strong, or elegant appearance, though this is less common today than it was in the past.
In formal writing, use it to describe rewards, payments, or amounts to emphasize how large or impressive they are. It sounds much more professional than just saying 'a big amount'.
Here are some common ways to use the concept of 'handsome' in phrases:
- Handsome is as handsome does: This means that a person's actions are more important than their looks.
- A handsome sum: Used to describe a large amount of money.
- Handsome profit: A very good or significant financial gain.
- Handsome reward: A generous payment given for a service or finding something.
- To pay handsomely: To pay someone a very generous amount of money.
Pronounced /ˈhænsəm/, the 'd' in the middle is actually silent! Many learners try to pronounce the 'd', but in natural speech, it disappears.
It is an adjective, so it doesn't have a plural form. You can use it with 'very' or 'quite' to intensify the meaning. For example, 'He is very handsome' or 'That is a quite handsome house.'
It rhymes with words like fathom (roughly) or ransom. Remember, focus on the 'han-sum' sound to get it just right!
Fun Fact
It used to mean 'handy' before it meant 'good-looking'!
Pronunciation Guide
The 'd' is silent, sounds like 'han-sum'.
Similar to UK, very clear 'a' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'd'
- Emphasizing the second syllable
- Rhyming with 'hand'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Easy to write
Easy to say
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
고급
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
He is handsome.
Silent letters
handsome
Adverb formation
handsomely
Examples by Level
He is a handsome man.
He = man, handsome = good-looking
Adjective before noun
The prince is handsome.
Prince = royal man
Adjective after verb
He has a handsome face.
Face = part of head
Possessive adjective
That is a handsome gift.
Gift = present
Describing a thing
He looks very handsome.
Looks = appears
Linking verb
My brother is handsome.
Brother = family
Subject-verb-adj
He is tall and handsome.
Tall = high height
Coordinating adjectives
The actor is handsome.
Actor = movie star
Noun-verb-adj
He is the most handsome man I know.
They gave him a handsome reward for his help.
She bought a handsome desk for her office.
The actor looked very handsome in his suit.
He made a handsome profit from his business.
That is a very handsome house on the hill.
He is a handsome and kind person.
The prize money was a handsome sum.
The company reported a handsome increase in sales this year.
He was a handsome man with silver hair and a kind smile.
They offered a handsome salary to the new manager.
The old library is a handsome building with tall windows.
She received a handsome apology for the mistake.
He is considered one of the most handsome men in Hollywood.
The investment provided a handsome return on capital.
It was a handsome gesture to pay for everyone's dinner.
The proposal was met with a handsome response from the board.
He possesses a handsome, rugged quality that suits the role.
The estate was sold for a handsome sum of money.
Despite the challenges, the project yielded a handsome profit.
He has a handsome profile that looks great in photographs.
She was impressed by the handsome layout of the garden.
The donation was a handsome contribution to the charity.
His handsome features were captured perfectly in the portrait.
The architecture of the cathedral is truly handsome and imposing.
He secured a handsome majority in the recent election.
The agreement included a handsome bonus for the employees.
Her writing style is handsome, clear, and very persuasive.
The antique clock is a handsome piece of craftsmanship.
He made a handsome living as a consultant for many years.
The team achieved a handsome victory in the championship.
It was a handsome display of sportsmanship by the players.
The company's handsome reserves allowed them to weather the crisis.
His handsome demeanor commanded respect from all his peers.
The collection features a handsome array of rare artifacts.
The landscape was dominated by a handsome, sweeping vista.
They were rewarded with a handsome settlement after the trial.
The author's prose is as handsome as it is intellectually rigorous.
The mansion's interior is a handsome blend of modern and classic.
He was a man of handsome proportions and great charisma.
동의어
자주 쓰는 조합
Idioms & Expressions
"handsome is as handsome does"
Actions are more important than looks.
Don't worry about his clothes; handsome is as handsome does.
idiomatic"a handsome sum"
A large amount of money.
He sold the house for a handsome sum.
neutral"pay handsomely"
To pay a large amount.
The job pays handsomely.
neutral"handsome dividend"
A large financial return.
The investment paid a handsome dividend.
business"handsome margin"
A large difference in profit or votes.
They won by a handsome margin.
formal"handsome gesture"
A generous or noble act.
It was a handsome gesture to forgive him.
formalEasily Confused
Similar spelling
Handy = useful, Handsome = attractive
He is handy with tools vs. He is a handsome man.
Similar prefix
Hands-on = practical, Handsome = attractive
He has a hands-on approach.
Both mean attractive
Pretty is usually for women/things, Handsome for men.
She is pretty; he is handsome.
Both relate to 'handsome amount'
Generous describes the person, handsome describes the amount.
He is generous; the gift was handsome.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + handsome
He is handsome.
A + handsome + noun
A handsome reward.
Pay + handsomely
They pay handsomely.
Subject + looks + handsome
He looks handsome.
Find + something + handsome
I find the offer handsome.
어휘 가족
Nouns
Adjectives
관련
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
자주 하는 실수
The 'd' is silent in English pronunciation.
While possible, it is traditionally for men.
Handy means useful; handsome means attractive.
Handsome implies a large or generous amount.
Hands-on means practical experience.
Tips
Silent D
Always skip the 'd' sound.
Money Context
Use it to sound more sophisticated when talking about money.
Adverb Usage
Remember 'handsomely' for actions like 'paying'.
History
It used to mean 'handy'!
Contextual grouping
Group it with 'reward' and 'profit'.
Don't over-use
It can sound dated if used too much for women.
Compliments
It is a very polite compliment for a man.
Visual
Think of a handsome prince.
Flashcards
Put 'Handsome' on one side and 'Attractive/Large' on the other.
Formal Writing
Great for business reports.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Hand + Some = A man who is so handsome he catches your hand and some of your attention!
Visual Association
A classic gentleman in a suit.
Word Web
챌린지
Use the word 'handsome' to describe a person and a price today.
어원
Middle English
Original meaning: Easy to handle or useful.
문화적 맥락
Can be perceived as slightly old-fashioned when applied to women.
Commonly used in formal and casual settings to compliment men.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Socializing
- He is very handsome.
- You look handsome today.
Business
- A handsome profit.
- A handsome salary.
Rewards
- A handsome reward.
- Paid handsomely.
Describing things
- A handsome building.
- A handsome piece of furniture.
Conversation Starters
"Who is the most handsome person you know?"
"Do you think looks are important?"
"What is a handsome amount of money to you?"
"Have you ever received a handsome reward?"
"Do you prefer the word 'handsome' or 'good-looking'?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a handsome person you admire.
Write about a time you received a handsome reward.
Why do you think the meaning of 'handsome' changed?
How would you describe a handsome house?
자주 묻는 질문
8 질문Yes, but it is less common and usually implies a strong, striking beauty.
Traditionally yes, but usage is evolving.
You don't! It is silent.
No, it can also mean a large amount.
It is neutral and fits in most contexts.
Handsomely.
Yes, to describe it as impressive or well-designed.
Ugly or meager.
셀프 테스트
He is a ___ man.
Handsome describes a person's looks.
What does a 'handsome profit' mean?
Handsome implies a large or impressive amount.
The 'd' in handsome is pronounced.
The 'd' is silent.
Word
뜻
Matching adjectives and adverbs.
Subject + verb + article + adj + noun.
점수: /5
Summary
Handsome is a classic adjective for describing attractive men and impressive quantities.
- Handsome describes attractive men.
- It also means a large amount of money.
- The 'd' is silent.
- It is a versatile and polite adjective.
Silent D
Always skip the 'd' sound.
Money Context
Use it to sound more sophisticated when talking about money.
Adverb Usage
Remember 'handsomely' for actions like 'paying'.
History
It used to mean 'handy'!
예시
He is a very handsome man with dark hair and blue eyes.
Related Content
Descriptions 관련 단어
short
A1Describes something that measures a small distance from one end to the other or is not tall in height. It is also used to describe a brief period of time or a limited amount of something.
rapid
A1단어 사용에 오류가 있는 것 같습니다. 'Rapid'은 빠른 것을 뜻하는 형용사입니다. 혹시 'rapid'을 말씀하신 건가요?
low
A1Not high or tall in height, often positioned close to the ground or a base level. It can also describe a small amount of something, a quiet sound, or a sad mood.
narrow
A1Narrow describes something that has a very small distance from one side to the other. It is the opposite of wide and is often used to describe roads, paths, or spaces.
thick
A1Describes something that has a large distance between its two opposite sides or surfaces. It can also describe liquids that are dense and do not flow easily, or things that grow closely together like hair or forest trees.
full
A1The complete amount or the state of being total without any parts missing. It is most frequently used in fixed phrases like 'in full' to describe a payment or a name that is complete.
gray
A1A neutral color that is a mixture of black and white, often seen in clouds, ash, or lead. It is used to describe objects that lack bright color or to represent a sense of seriousness and neutrality.
purple
A1Purple is a color that is made by mixing red and blue together. It is a common color found in nature, such as in certain flowers and fruits like grapes.
tiny
A1Describes something that is very small in size, amount, or degree. It is more emphatic than the word 'small' and is often used to highlight how little something is.
perfect
A1문법에서는 동작이 완료되었음을 나타내는 시제를 뜻해. 또한 '연습이 완벽을 만든다'는 말처럼 실수가 없는 상태를 의미하기도 해.
