What does handsomely mean?
Handsomely is an adverb with two related but distinguishable uses. Its most common modern sense is “generously” or “in a substantial amount,” especially when someone pays, contributes, rewards, or supports another person or cause: the company contributed handsomely to local charities. It can also mean “in a pleasing, impressive, or skillful manner,” as in a phrase describing a performance or appearance. The word is found in both British and American English and generally sounds formal, polished, and somewhat traditional. Its strong suggestion of generosity makes it more expressive than simply saying that an amount was large, while its use in artistic contexts conveys distinction and skill. Although the word is based on “handsome,” its contemporary meaning is not restricted to physical appearance: it has become a versatile way to describe generous or admirable conduct.
adverbIn a generous, ample, or liberal manner; also, in a pleasing, impressive, or skillful manner, depending on context.
- Generously or in a liberal, ample manner.
- In a pleasing, impressive, or skillful manner.
"The charity donated handsomely to the community."
"The donors contributed handsomely to the new scholarship fund."
"The pianist played the final passage handsomely, giving the piece both power and precision."
One small adverb can make generosity sound grand, and performance sound polished: he was rewarded handsomely, and she performed handsomely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
How handsomely is actually used
When describing payments, rewards, or contributions, “handsomely” is a formal-to-neutral alternative to “generously” and often suggests a conspicuously generous amount. In descriptions of performance or appearance, it can mean attractively, impressively, or with considerable skill, and may sound slightly literary or old-fashioned.