What does becomingly mean?
Becomingly is a formal English adverb meaning 'in an attractive, flattering, or suitable manner.' It derives from the adjective 'becoming,' which describes something that enhances a person's appearance or dignity, and it typically modifies verbs relating to dress, bearing, or behaviour. One might say that a gown falls becomingly across the shoulders, or that someone behaves becomingly by showing modesty or grace suited to the occasion. The word carries a refined, somewhat literary connotation and appears more often in descriptive prose than in everyday conversation, though it remains fully current. Its most frequent modern pairings are with words like 'modest,' 'attired,' and 'humble.' The opposite sense is expressed by 'unbecomingly,' which describes behaviour or appearance that detracts from dignity. For writers seeking an elegant, economical way to praise both an action and the manner in which it is done, becomingly remains a precise and graceful choice.
adverbIn a manner that is attractive, flattering, or suitable; in a way that enhances the appearance, dignity, or character of the person or thing involved.
- In an attractive or flattering way, especially of dress or appearance.
- In a manner appropriate to one's position or dignity; suitably or decorously.
"She was becomingly modest about her achievements."
"The gown draped becomingly across her shoulders."
"He declined the honour becomingly, with quiet grace."
Becomingly is one of those rare adverbs that flatters twice — it praises both the person acting and the way they act.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of becomingly
Becomingly is formed from the adjective 'becoming,' itself from the verb 'become' — in its older sense 'to come to, to suit or befit' — plus the adverbial suffix '-ly.' The verb 'become' traces back to Old English 'becuman,' meaning 'to come to, arrive at, or happen,' built from the prefix 'be-' and 'cuman' ('to come'). The sense 'to be fitting or suitable' developed in Middle English, giving rise to the adjective 'becoming' ('suitable, attractive'), from which the adverb was derived. It thus shares its Germanic root with ordinary 'come' rather than with any Latin or Greek borrowing.
Related word forms
How becomingly is actually used
Somewhat formal and literary in tone; rare in casual speech. Often used of dress, deportment, modesty, or humility. The negative 'unbecomingly' is slightly more common in modern usage.
Easily confused with becomingly
'Becoming' is primarily an adjective meaning attractive or flattering (or the verb 'to become'), while 'becomingly' is its adverb form describing how an action is performed.