handsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handsome" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone, usually a man, who is good-looking or attractive. Example: "The actor was not only talented but also incredibly handsome, capturing the attention of the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back then, it was still widely supposed that every girl's dream was to marry a handsome prince and live happily ever after in a Tyrolean castle attended upon by mice and dressed each morning by bluebirds.

The Guardian - Film

What was it that persuaded him to leave his handsome home in Barcelona, where he has lived and prospered in business since retiring as a player, to risk all in Lanarkshire?

The Guardian - Sport

He is handsome, relaxed, basking in the moment.

The Guardian - Film

In probing the pressures of expectation and prevailing scepticism in the British arts scene, Leigh has made a film about as self-reflective (and self-reflexive) as handsome heritage cinema can be.

The Guardian - Film

And she also came across David Cameron at a "gorgeous Gloucestershire party", writing that "in the flesh I found him amazingly attractive – tall, dark and definitely handsome".

The Guardian - Books

Swinney said: The reason we need more economic powers is to better respond to that, and to deliver the type of opportunities the people of Scotland asked of us when they gave us such a handsome mandate in the election yesterday.

The Guardian

Almost like Manchester or Brussels: a handsome town built on graft and good business.

The Guardian

Lyon is a handsome city, with a pleasant medieval quarter.

The Guardian

Although trivial, I believe my experience clearly illustrates how financial organisations like NatWest have exploited the hard-working, responsible earner; abused the trust that was placed in them; creamed off the handsome profits that came as a result of their irresponsible lending; and now try to make themselves out to be "responsible" at the expense of the people who have fed them.

The Guardian - Money

Dressed in the season’s crisp grey suit and black wool polo-neck, with floppy centre-parted hair, he looks like a refugee from Boyzone, sleek and notably handsome.

The Guardian - Film

Handsome, young, ethnic and severely conservative in a swing state, he could have done nothing and always had an important role as a party leader, if for nothing more than all those moments when they needed a face and name that said No, we're not racist.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a woman's appearance, consider using alternatives like "beautiful", "pretty", or "attractive", as "handsome" is more commonly applied to men.

Common error

While historically "handsome" could describe a woman, in modern usage, it's generally reserved for men. Using it for women can sound archaic or imply masculine features. Instead, opt for terms like "beautiful", "attractive", or "striking".

Linguistic Context

The adjective "handsome" primarily functions to describe someone or something as visually pleasing and attractive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most often used to describe men, suggesting a robust and dignified appearance. Examples include "a handsome man" or "a handsome building".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "handsome" is an adjective used to describe something or someone as being good-looking or attractive, typically referring to males. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency in news and media contexts. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to remember that while historically "handsome" could describe a woman, in modern usage this is not commonly the case and could be viewed as outdated. Alternatives like "good-looking", "attractive", and "fine-looking" can be employed, but "beautiful" and "pretty" are more suitable for describing women.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good-looking

A general term for physical attractiveness, applicable to both men and women.

attractive

A broader term for pleasing in appearance, not limited to facial features.

fine-looking

Similar to good-looking, but slightly more formal.

striking

Suggests an impressive and memorable appearance.

dashing

Implies a charismatic and stylish attractiveness.

prepossessing

Describes a favorable first impression due to appearance.

well-favored

An older, somewhat literary term for having a pleasing appearance.

comely

Primarily used to describe a woman's pleasing appearance.

bonny

Mainly used to describe a child's attractive and cheerful appearance, also can be used in Scottish English.

easy on the eyes

An informal and idiomatic expression for being visually pleasing.

FAQs

How can I use "handsome" in a sentence?

"Handsome" is typically used to describe a man's attractive appearance. For example, "He was a "handsome man" with a charming smile". It can also describe impressive objects or places, such as "a "handsome building"".

What is a synonym for "handsome"?

Synonyms for "handsome" include "good-looking", "attractive", and "fine-looking". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a woman as "handsome"?

While historically possible, using "handsome" to describe a woman is now uncommon and can sound outdated. Modern usage prefers terms like "beautiful", "attractive", or "striking" for women.

What's the difference between "handsome" and "beautiful"?

"Handsome" is generally used to describe men and suggests a robust, well-proportioned, and dignified appearance. "Beautiful" is typically used for women and conveys a more delicate or graceful attractiveness. While there can be overlap, the terms have distinct connotations.