What does "handsomely" mean?
Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner.
Handsomely
/ˈhæn(t)s(ə)mli/ adv
adv ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner.
- Grammar: handsomely is listed as adv.
- Nearest alternatives: attractively, beauteously, beautifully, becomingly.
- Useful contrasts: clumsily, crudely, meagerly.
- Usage evidence: You will be rewarded handsomely.
How to use "handsomely"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "handsomely" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "handsomely" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "handsomely" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "handsomely" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "handsomely" is acting as adv in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "attractively" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "handsomely", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Adverb
- 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.
"She can lulle a childe as hãſomly [hansomly] a ſlepe as it were a woman of thirty yere olde: […]"
- 4 With an attractive or elegant appearance; attractively, finely, splendidly.
"to dress handsomely"
- 5 Chiefly regarding speech or writing: cleverly, skilfully.
"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."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 Regarding an undesirable occurrence (such as defeat or punishment): harshly, severely; (by extension) completely, thoroughly; also, energetically, vigorously.
"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."
- 7 Especially regarding how a gift is given or money is paid: without holding back; generously, liberally.
"[…] [Ronald] Koeman gets paid handsomely (and more or less the same amount) if he does the job, if he gets fired or if his contract gets renewed."
- 8 Without undue haste; carefully, slowly and steadily.
"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."
- 9 In a convenient manner; conveniently, readily. obsolete
- 10 In a proper manner; properly, suitably. obsolete
"So handſomely do all things fall in and agree together."
Adverb
- 1 in a generously handsome manner wordnet
- 2 in an attractively handsome manner wordnet
Example
"You will be rewarded handsomely."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "handsomely"?
Common synonyms include: attractively, beauteously, beautifully, becomingly, bigheartedly, bonnily.
How do you use "handsomely" in a sentence?
You will be rewarded handsomely.
How do you pronounce "handsomely"?
Pronounced /ˈhæn(t)s(ə)mli/.
Etymology
From handsome + -ly (suffix forming adverbs).