handsomely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "handsomely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adverb to describe how something was done in a generous or impressive manner. For example: "He completed the project handsomely, meeting the deadline ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Douglas Carswell is the Tory MP who quit his party and resigned his Clacton seat to win it back – handsomely, too – for Ukip.

The Guardian

According to US diplomatic cables leaked in 2010, Silvio Berlusconi has benefited "personally and handsomely" from energy deals with Russia; the former German chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Putin's greatest European ally, sits on the board of the Nord Steam Russian-German gas pipeline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Passengers want to see that money go into producing a better and cheaper railway, not into the wallets of directors who are already handsomely rewarded as it is".

The Guardian - Business

But numerous successful tabloid journalists from equally humble backgrounds, who had been less handsomely remunerated than Coulson, could have performed the same role.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they were able to provide this service because their clients could choose them and the legal aid scheme could pay them – not handsomely, but a decent professional income.

The Guardian - Opinion

Several proposed debates were scrapped and in the end only one took place – which Reagan was said to have won handsomely.

The Guardian

"In creating a safer energy cycle for a world threatened by global warming, we would not only be doing good for the rest of the world, we would be doing enormous good for Australia as the world would pay handsomely for this service.

The Guardian

Of course Labour's majority would probably have been lower without Blair in 1997, but I agree with Hattersley that John Smith would still have won handsomely, and the Labour party would have preserved its soul.

The Guardian

That black trenchcoat would walk you handsomely down Bedford Avenue any night of the week.

The Guardian - Business

So fierce has the competition among historical films become that it was reported that academic "history assassins" were paid handsomely by marketing consultants to spot errors in other studios' films.

The Guardian - Film

But despite determined efforts to portray itself as a not-for-profit body, it does pay its top executives handsomely; Abraham's package was £739,000 for 2013, Hunt's £497,000.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "handsomely" to describe actions or results that are not only successful but also impressive or generous in their scope. It's particularly effective when describing financial rewards, victories, or aesthetically pleasing outcomes.

Common error

Avoid using "handsomely" in contexts that require a more neutral or objective description. The word carries a positive and often emphatic tone, so it's unsuitable for situations where impartiality is key.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "handsomely" primarily functions to modify verbs, adverbs, or adjectives, adding a sense of generosity, impressiveness, or aesthetic appeal to the action or quality being described. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "handsomely" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term that adds a layer of impressiveness or generosity to the actions it modifies. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's used correctly in modern English and is suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news, business, and formal settings. While alternatives like "generously" or "impressively" exist, "handsomely" stands out for its emphasis on both success and admirable execution. When incorporating this word in your writing, consider the tone and ensure that its positive connotation aligns with your intended message. Its high frequency in reputable sources demonstrates its consistent and appropriate use in a wide array of professional and public communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generously

This alternative emphasizes the act of giving or providing in a liberal and abundant manner.

impressively

This focuses on the quality of making a strong and positive impact or impression.

beautifully

This highlights the aesthetic quality of an action or object, suggesting grace and elegance.

lavishly

This implies abundance and extravagance in the execution or provision of something.

splendidly

This conveys a sense of magnificence and brilliance in performance or appearance.

attractively

This emphasizes the pleasing or appealing nature of something done.

elegantly

This focuses on refined grace and style in the way something is done.

considerably

This emphasizes the degree or extent to which something is done.

substantially

This indicates that something is done to a significant extent or degree.

abundantly

This emphasizes the plentiful and profuse nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "handsomely" in a sentence?

You can use "handsomely" to describe actions done in a generous or impressive manner, such as "The company rewarded its employees "handsomely" for their hard work" or "The project was completed "handsomely", exceeding all expectations".

What are some alternatives to "handsomely"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "generously", "impressively", or "beautifully" instead of "handsomely".

Is it correct to use "handsomely" to describe a person's physical appearance?

While "handsome" is commonly used to describe a man's attractive appearance, "handsomely" as an adverb is typically used to describe the manner in which something is done, rather than a person's looks. Using alternatives as "attractively" may be more adequate when describing a person.

What is the difference between "handsomely" and "lavishly"?

"Handsomely" suggests a generous or impressive manner, while "lavishly" implies extravagance and abundance. "The event was funded "lavishly"" suggests excessive spending, whereas "The performers were rewarded "handsomely"" suggests generous compensation.