adjective

handsome

handsome, good-looking, generous, substantial

He is a very handsome man.

He is a very handsome man.

She won a handsome prize.

She won a handsome prize.

((a/an)) ~ man/boy/etc. describing a person's appearance He is a handsome young man.

((a/an)) ~ sum/profit/etc. describing a large amount They made a handsome profit.

Synonyms: attractive, good-looking; generous, substantial; Antonyms: ugly, plain; small

From 'hand' + '-some'. Originally meant 'easy to handle or use', which evolved to 'apt, proper', and then to 'fine, beautiful'.

Think of a man who is good with his hands (handy) and is therefore attractive. For the money meaning, picture a 'handful' of cash.

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