handsomely
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of handsomely
Explanation
To do something handsomely is to do it in a way that looks attractive or pleasing. If you arrange a bouquet of flowers handsomely, they'll look great even if they're in a pickle jar instead of a fancy vase. A teenage boy might aspire to dress handsomely for his senior prom, wearing a nice tuxedo and bow tie. Another meaning of handsomely is "generously," or "substantially," so if the boy's boss at the neighborhood pizza shop pays him handsomely, he'll also be able to rent a limousine to transport him and his date to the dance.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Read, a well-known portraitist at the time, studied in Europe, moved professionally in elite circles and was so successful that she was paid more handsomely than her better-known contemporaries, including Gainsborough.
From BBC ● Jul. 23, 2026
"While shareholders benefit more than handsomely, employees are supposed to sacrifice their contractually guaranteed rights," said IG Metall boss Christiane Benner at a protest in Duesseldorf.
From Barron's ● Jul. 3, 2026
He may have lost some mainstream acceptance and his FX series, but has since lined his bank account and burnished his career quite handsomely.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
Many investors in recent years have benefited handsomely from buying such a tech dip.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026
“Four times five will do handsomely, will it?” said Mr. Jaggers, knitting his brows.
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
