a handsome feature

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome feature" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attractive or appealing characteristic of a person, object, or place. Example: "Her eyes were a handsome feature that drew everyone’s attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Under the guidance of writer Stan Lee and artist Gene Colan, it was a handsome feature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was clearly affected by the death of a teenage boy, "who had pale skin, handsome features, a slightly mischievous look and a cap on his head which made him look like Gavroche in Victor Hugo's 'Misérables.' " The boy, Dr. Bérès said, "had almost been cut into two".

The New York Times

It sports a white case, instead of the jarring pink of the non-biz version, and offers a number of handsome features.

TechCrunch

Enormous antique looms were strung with colorful carpet runners; a handsome shop featured elegant pots made by the neighborhood plumber, handmade soaps and lotions, and yarns from local llamas.

The New York Times - Travel

A handsome, sharply featured Spanish guide is explaining in loud accented English that Maria de Padilla was mistress to the royal palace's builder, Pedro the Cruel.

Huffington Post

The actor Josh Hartnett has sweet, boyishly handsome features, a friendly, earnest manner, and a voice that barely rises above a whisper.

The New Yorker

With a head of curls like snail shells, a lustrous deep brown patina, handsome features and large downcast eyes, it is an image of life-affirming beneficence.

The New York Times - Arts

Viggo Mortensen plays Tom: a rugged, regular guy whose handsome features are always on the point of being shyly drawn upwards into a "Shucks".

The Guardian

He also has an extremely original mind, a bitingly witty tongue, and a touch of the showman, as well as the actor, about him, which gives style to his House of Commons performances His curiously hooded eyelids and sharp, sardonically handsome features are a gift to cartoonists; to the man in the street his tall, military figure looks quite a bit like Sir Anthony Eden's.

The New Yorker

With his summer-tennis/winter-ski perpetual tan and the floridly handsome features of a Victor Mature, Mr. Lefcourt hardly looks the part of the hand-to-mouth, Kunstleresque legal eagle he played in the years when his clients included Mark Rudd, the student leader, and members of the Black Panther Party.

The New York Times

At the opera one night Natasha falls under the bewitching, sinister spell of the heedless womanizer Anatole (Lucas Steele, a spiky blade of blond hair lending a slight menace to his boyishly handsome features), brother of the equally amoral Hélène (the voluptuous Amber Gray).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical object or person, use "a handsome feature" to emphasize an attractive or striking aspect. It's a more sophisticated alternative to simply saying "attractive".

Common error

Avoid using "a handsome feature" in very casual conversation. It may sound overly formal or pretentious. Consider using more straightforward adjectives like "nice" or "pretty" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome feature" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object. It describes a particular attribute or characteristic considered attractive or striking. As Ludwig AI explains, it is generally correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handsome feature" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an attractive or striking attribute. While Ludwig shows its usage is relatively rare, the phrase appears in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, indicating its acceptability in neutral to formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally correct and highlights a positive aspect of the subject. When writing, consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with the overall tone. If a more casual approach is needed, consider using alternatives such as "an attractive attribute" or "a nice detail."

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attractive attribute

Replaces "handsome feature" with more common synonyms, focusing on attractiveness.

a striking characteristic

Emphasizes the noticeable or remarkable aspect of the feature.

an appealing quality

Focuses on the pleasing or attractive nature of the feature.

an elegant aspect

Highlights the refined or graceful nature of the feature.

a beautiful element

Emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of the feature as part of a larger whole.

a charming trait

Highlights the delightful or pleasing aspect of the feature.

a prepossessing detail

Focuses on the detail's ability to create a favorable impression.

an admirable attribute

Emphasizes the praiseworthy nature of the feature.

a fetching quality

Focuses on the attractive and captivating nature of the feature.

a graceful detail

Highlights the refined and elegant aspect of the feature.

FAQs

How can I use "a handsome feature" in a sentence?

Use "a handsome feature" to describe an attractive or striking attribute of something. For example, "The building's arched windows were "a handsome feature" that caught everyone's eye."

What's a less formal way to say "a handsome feature"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an attractive attribute", "a nice detail", or simply "a pretty aspect".

Is "handsome" only for men? Can "a handsome feature" describe a woman?

"Handsome" is traditionally associated with men, but "a handsome feature" can be used to describe a woman if the feature has a strong, striking, or dignified quality. It depends on the specific attribute being described. Consider also using alternatives such as "an attractive attribute" or "a striking characteristic" instead.

What is the difference between "a handsome feature" and "a beautiful feature"?

"Handsome" often implies strength, dignity, or strikingness, while "beautiful" suggests grace, delicacy, or pure aesthetic appeal. Choose the word that best reflects the quality of the feature you're describing. Sometimes "an appealing quality" could work too.