Handsome
/ˈhæn.səm/noun
Pleasing in appearance, especially in a strong, attractive, or elegant way.
Did you know?The word first meant “easy to handle” or “convenient,” and only later shifted toward the idea of a person who is pleasing to look at, showing how value and appearance can merge in language.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
handsome
“handy, convenient, easy to deal with”
15th Century
English
handsom
“easy to handle; suitable; fitting”
16th Century
English
handsome
“ample, generous, considerable in size or amount”
17th Century
English
handsome
“decently proportioned, attractive in appearance”
Modern English
English
handsome
“attractive, especially in a strong or dignified way”