handsomely

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Regarding a person's action

   Regarding a person's action: in a handsome or good-looking manner.

   • a handsomely brooding man
2. 2

   In a manner conforming to accepted standards of behaviour

   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.
3. 3

   In an elegant or graceful manner

   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: […]
   • [E]uerie morning after they are ryſen, they folde vp their ſheetes hanſomlie, laying them in the middeſt of the Bed, ⁊ ſo rowle it vp to one ende, couering it with the Quilt, that is their Couerlet all the night time.
   • [H]e took Diſpondencie’s Daughter, named Much-afraid, by the Hand, and to dancing they vvent in the Road. […] [T]he Girl vvas to be commended, for ſhe anſvvered the Muſick hanſomely.
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   1. 4

      With an attractive or elegant appearance

      With an attractive or elegant appearance; attractively, finely, splendidly.

      • to dress handsomely
   2. 5

      Chiefly regarding speech or writing

      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.
   3. 6

      Regarding an undesirable occurrence (such as defeat or punishment)

      Regarding an undesirable occurrence (such as defeat or punishment): harshly, severely; (by extension) completely, thoroughly; also, energetically, vigorously.

      • The through Moorgate service has been most handsomely speeded up, and suburban trains in both directions now run non-stop between Kings Cross (Underground) and Elstree.
   4. 7

      Especially regarding how a gift is given or money is paid

      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.
   5. 8

      Without undue haste

      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.
      • Up with the helm, Tom.—Ease off the main sheet, handsomely, my lad—not too much.—Now, take in the slack, afore she jibes; […]
   6. 9

      In a convenient manner

      In a convenient manner; conveniently, readily.

   7. 10

      In a proper manner

      In a proper manner; properly, suitably.

      • So handſomely do all things fall in and agree together.
      • He says very handsomely, in his own excuse, that he does not act for gain; that he indulges an innocent pleasure in it; and that it is better to pass away an evening in this manner, than in gaming and drinking: […]

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