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.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Jaime Moore has taken over an agency under intense scrutiny — and he’s getting paid handsomely to do it.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026
The company, now under their control, positioned itself to profit handsomely if the tariffs were struck down and refunds issued at full value, a charge the firm denies.
From Salon • Feb. 22, 2026
Three months after taking office as prime minister, Anutin dissolved parliament and called the election, a bet that has paid off handsomely.
From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026
Of course, some low P/E ratio stocks deserve their low valuations, so not every stock with a low ratio proceeds to perform handsomely.
From MarketWatch • Jan. 13, 2026
It was carpeted, handsomely furnished, and had a balcony.
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
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.
