The superlative form of handsome, meaning most attractive in appearance or most generous in amount.
From Middle English 'handsom' meaning 'easy to handle' or 'ready at hand,' derived from 'hand' plus '-some.' The meaning shifted from 'convenient' to 'of fine appearance' by the 16th century.
Originally, calling someone handsome meant they were handy or skillful, not attractive - the word literally meant 'easy to handle.' This practical origin explains why we still use 'handsome' for non-physical things like 'a handsome profit.'
Historically marked as masculine; 'handsome' for men conveyed power/dignity while beauty standards for women were narrower and often conditional on appearance alone.
Use 'striking,' 'impressive,' or describe specific qualities (elegance, presence) to move past gendered aesthetic hierarchies.
["striking","impressive","distinctive","compelling presence"]
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