handsomely

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handsomely

/ˈhæn(t)s(ə)mli/ UK
/ˈhæn(t)səmli/ US

Where it comes from

From handsome + -ly (suffix forming adverbs).

adverb more handsomely · most handsomely

Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner. a handsomely brooding man
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.
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: […]
With an attractive or elegant appearance; attractively, finely, splendidly. to dress handsomely
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.
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
Similar: absolutely, all-out, tout à fait, all the way, stone-cold, blind, altogether, stark, cold, at large, at length, cap-a-pie
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.
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.
Opposite: cheerly
obsolete In a convenient manner; conveniently, readily.
obsolete In a proper manner; properly, suitably. So handſomely do all things fall in and agree together.
Similar: fittingly

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MLA

"handsomely." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/handsomely. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

APA

handsomely. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/handsomely

Chicago

"handsomely." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/handsomely.

BibTeX

@misc{handsomely_2026,
  title = {handsomely},
  howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://micwyn.com/word/handsomely},
  urldate = {2026-11-06}
}