handsomely

English

WOTD – 25 August 2025

Etymology

From handsome +‎ -ly (suffix forming adverbs).[1][2]

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈhæn(t)s(ə)mli/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈhæn(t)səmli/
  • Audio (General American):(file)
    (file)
  • Hyphenation: hand‧some‧ly

Adverb

handsomely (comparative more handsomely, superlative most handsomely)

  1. Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner.
    a handsomely brooding man
  2. In a manner conforming to accepted standards of behaviour; appropriately, decently, graciously; also (more strongly), generously, magnanimously.
    I was handsomely praised for my part in stopping the robber.
  3. In an elegant or graceful manner; elegantly, gracefully, neatly, nicely.
  4. With an attractive or elegant appearance; attractively, finely, splendidly.
    to dress handsomely
  5. Chiefly regarding speech or writing: cleverly, skilfully.
    • 1533, Thomas Elyot, “The Fourthe Dialogue”, in Of that Knowlage, whiche Maketh a Wise Man. A Disputacion Platonike, London: […] Thomas Berthelet, published p. 1548? (indicated as 1534), →OCLC, signature [Jvii], verso:
      Yes, there requireth alſo, that he knowe the nature ⁊ cauſe of the wounde or ſore, and that he can well order his plaiſters and oyntementes, and alſo vſe handſomely the ſaide inſtrumentes.
    • 1655, Thomas Fuller, “I. Centurie.”, in The Church-history of Britain; […], London: […] Iohn Williams […], →OCLC, book I, page 3:
      Yea, vvhen Proteſtants object againſt St. Peter’s being at Rome, becauſe St. Paul, in his Epiſtle to the Romans, omitteth to name or ſalute him; The Ieſuite handſomely anſvvers, That Peter vvas then probably from home, employed in Preaching in Britain, and other places.
  6. Regarding an undesirable occurrence (such as defeat or punishment): harshly, severely; (by extension) completely, thoroughly; also, energetically, vigorously.
    (completely): Synonyms: see Thesaurus:completely
    • 1938, Norman Lindsay, chapter VIII, in Age of Consent, London: T[homas] Werner Laurie […], →OCLC, page 76:
      To be sure, he expected eggs as well, and looked from his plate to Bradly's to assure himself that it was not by an oversight that Bradly had omitted to serve him eggs. Still, he tucked in handsomely to bacon and tomato on fried bread, felicitating himself on the considered wisdom of his arrival in the character of guest to Bradly.
    • 1960 February, “The Dieselised St. Pancras Suburban Service”, in Trains Illustrated, London: Ian Allan Publishing, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 95:
      The through Moorgate service has been most handsomely speeded up, and suburban trains in both directions now run non-stop between Kings Cross (Underground) and Elstree.
  7. Especially regarding how a gift is given or money is paid: without holding back; generously, liberally.
  8. (now nautical) Without undue haste; carefully, slowly and steadily.
    Antonym: cheerly
    • 1658, Tho. Mouffet [i.e., Thomas Muffet, et al.], “The Theater of Insects: Or, Lesser Living Creatures. […]. Chapter VI. Concerning Wax, Bee-glew, Dregs of Wax, Pissoceros, Bees-bread, and of Their Nature and Use.”, in J[ohn] R[owland], transl., The History of Four-footed Beasts and Serpents: […], revised edition, London: […] E. Cotes, for G[eorge] Sawbridge […], T. Williams […], and T. Johnson, […], →OCLC, page 915:
      For the cold pain of the joynts. Take a clout dipt in melted vvax, lay it handſomely and as cloſely on as the ſick can endure it for one night, and it vvill cure it.
    • 1832, [Frederick Marryat], chapter V, in Newton Forster; or, The Merchant Service. […], volume I, London: James Cochrane and Co., […], →OCLC, page 71:
      Up with the helm, Tom.—Ease off the main sheet, handsomely, my lad—not too much.—Now, take in the slack, afore she jibes; […]
  9. (obsolete)
    1. In a convenient manner; conveniently, readily.
    2. In a proper manner; properly, suitably.
      Synonym: fittingly
      • 1681, Henry More, “Vision IV. The Vision or Prophecy of the Seventy Weeks Communicated to Daniel by the Angel Gabriel, Chap[ter] 9. Notes upon Vision IV. Ver[se] 1.”, in A Plain and Continued Exposition of the Several Prophecies or Divine Visions of the Prophet Daniel, which have or may Concern the People of God, whether Jew or Christian; […], London: […] M[iles] F[lesher] for Walter Kettilby, […], →OCLC, page 130:
        So handſomely do all things fall in and agree together.
      • 1711 March 26 (Gregorian calendar), [Joseph Addison], “THURSDAY, March 15, 1710–1711”, in The Spectator, number 13; republished in Alexander Chalmers, editor, The Spectator; a New Edition, […], volume I, New York, N.Y.: D[aniel] Appleton & Company, 1853, →OCLC, page 146:
        He says very handsomely, in his own excuse, that he does not act for gain; that he indulges an innocent pleasure in it; and that it is better to pass away an evening in this manner, than in gaming and drinking: […]
        The spelling has been modernized.

References

  1. ^ “handsomely, adv.”, in OED Online ⁠, Oxford: Oxford University Press, March 2025.
  2. ^ “handsomely, adv.”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.
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