winsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "winsome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is charming, attractive, or pleasing in a sweet or endearing way. Example: "Her winsome smile lit up the room and made everyone feel at ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is an attractive but not winsome character whose bemusement, resentment and perseverance are evident.

The Guardian - Film

It traces a chronological history, beginning with their unpromising genesis in the folk parks of 1960s Sweden – where Ulvaeus's winsome Hootennany Singers plied their trade, and Andersson's noticeably more raunchy beat combo The Hep Stars promoted their album We and Our Cadillac.

The Guardian - Music

Let's leave Lord Justice Moses, first chairman of Ipso (the new press regulator), to his doomed role as latest "barman in the last-chance saloon" (in Hacked Off's characteristically winsome opinion).

The Guardian

When future historians begin to look back on Sepp Blatter's long and ill-received reign as Fifa president, a bit like considering the career of King Louis XVI but without the popular support or winsome personality, there is one anomaly that will jump out straight away.

The Guardian - Sport

The come-hither eyes, the winsome head-tilting, were a yelping embarrassment, yet it was clear they were inhabiting their youthful selves so completely that all sense of their current appearance was lost.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the other end sat a winsome, child-sized fibreglass animal: the whole contraption was motorised.

The Economist

THE winsome, crimson-haired Felicia Day is instantly recognisable to fans of "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer".

The Economist

Of the 16 candidates, only one frankly espouses a mix of social and economic liberalism: he should get about 3% of the vote.Apathy, winsome nostalgia and fist-waving frivolity are running neck-and-neck.

The Economist

The congressman then strode over to a pro-diversity group, whose truck was filled with winsome children and bore a banner reading: "A Rainbow Wouldn't Be A Rainbow If It Was Missing A Single Color".

The Economist

Fascination with cross-dressing dates to Ottoman times, when winsome boys dressed as girls would belly-dance for the sultan.

The Economist

One poster asks "How much should we tame financial markets?" and pictures a fierce lion next to a winsome cat.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "winsome" to describe a quality that inspires immediate liking or trust, often due to innocence or simplicity. This word adds a layer of gentle persuasion to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "winsome" in highly formal or technical writing. It can sound out of place due to its slightly old-fashioned and sentimental connotation. Opt for a more neutral term like "engaging" or "appealing" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The word "winsome" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of charm and attractiveness. It is often used to depict individuals or things that inspire immediate liking and trust due to their innocent or appealing nature, as illustrated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

22%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Winsome" is an adjective that describes someone or something charming and attractive, inspiring trust and approval. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "charming" or "appealing" for slight variations in meaning. By understanding its nuances and appropriate register, you can effectively use "winsome" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charming

Focuses on the ability to delight and attract others.

adorable

Emphasizes a high degree of cuteness and lovability.

engaging

Highlights the ability to capture attention and interest.

appealing

Stresses the quality of being attractive or interesting.

attractive

A general term for having pleasing qualities or appearance.

delightful

Conveys a sense of great pleasure and enjoyment.

captivating

Implies the power to hold someone's attention completely.

lovely

Indicates a beautiful or pleasing quality.

fetching

Suggests an alluring or pleasing appearance.

sweet

Emphasizes a gentle and kind nature.

FAQs

What does "winsome" mean?

"Winsome" means charming, attractive, or appealing, often in a childlike or innocent way.

How can I use "winsome" in a sentence?

You might say, "The child's "winsome" smile immediately put everyone at ease".

What can I say instead of "winsome"?

You can use alternatives like "charming", "appealing", or "engaging" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "winsome" a formal or informal word?

"Winsome" is generally considered a somewhat formal or literary word, best used when aiming for a slightly elevated or descriptive tone. In very informal contexts, something like "cute" or "sweet" might be more appropriate.