Handsome vs. Pretty: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
Handsome often refers to a man's attractive, strong features, while pretty typically describes delicate, pleasing features, often attributed to women.
Key Differences
Handsome and Pretty are both adjectives used to describe a pleasing appearance, but they are generally applied in different contexts and possess nuanced connotations. Handsome is traditionally used to describe men and implies a strong, masculine attractiveness, often referring to well-defined, proportionate features and a distinguished appearance. It implies a sense of ruggedness and sophistication. Pretty, on the other hand, is usually used to describe women and implies a delicate and lovely attractiveness, typically highlighting features that are soft and pleasing to the eye.
The use of Handsome and Pretty also extends to things beyond physical appearance. A handsome amount refers to a substantial or generous amount, highlighting magnitude or abundance, whereas pretty, when used in a similar context, often emphasizes aesthetics, like a pretty decoration or a pretty design, referring to something aesthetically pleasing and charming.
Interestingly, the scope of Handsome and Pretty has evolved over time. The word handsome can occasionally be used to describe women, emphasizing a refined and dignified beauty, and pretty can be used to describe a man, usually highlighting a youthful or delicate attractiveness. The modern usage of these terms is becoming more flexible, allowing for a wider range of application, reflecting changing perceptions of beauty and attractiveness.
Handsome and Pretty can also be used metaphorically to describe concepts, situations, or objects. A handsome solution might be one that is robust and effective, whereas a pretty solution might be elegant and clever. The nuances of these words carry through their metaphorical uses, reflecting underlying concepts of strength, sophistication, delicacy, and beauty.
Comparison Chart
Traditional Application
Often used to describe men’s attractive features.
Typically describes women’s delicate beauty.
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Connotation
Implies strength, ruggedness, and sophistication.
Implies delicacy, loveliness, and charm.
Extended Meaning
Can mean substantial or generous when describing amounts.
Often used to describe something aesthetically pleasing.
Flexibility
Can occasionally describe women’s dignified beauty.
Can be used to describe a man’s youthful attractiveness.
Metaphorical Use
Represents robustness and effectiveness.
Represents elegance and cleverness.
Handsome and Pretty Definitions
Handsome
Exhibiting skill, aptness, or intelligence; clever.
He proposed a handsome solution to the ongoing problem.
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Pretty
Pleasing or appealing to the senses, especially visually.
The painting has pretty colors and intricate details.
Handsome
Attractive in a robust and masculine way.
The actor was considered very handsome by his myriad of fans.
Pretty
Attractive in a delicate or graceful way.
The flowers are pretty and fragrant.
Handsome
Large in quantity or amount; substantial.
She received a handsome salary for her new job.
Pretty
Used to minimize or soften the impact of something; fairly.
He runs pretty fast for his age.
Handsome
Graceful or well-proportioned in design or construction.
The handsome building dominated the cityscape.
Pretty
Clever or cunning, often in a deceptive way.
That was a pretty trick you played.
Handsome
Pleasing in form or appearance, especially having strong or distinguished features
A handsome man.
A woman with a handsome face.
Pretty
Considerable; significant.
She makes a pretty penny with her new business.
Handsome
Having stately or attractive proportions or appearance; impressive
A handsome manor.
A sleek, handsome car.
Pretty
Pleasing or attractive in a graceful or delicate way.
Handsome
Large in amount or measure; generous or considerable
A handsome reward.
Won by a handsome margin.
Pretty
Clever; adroit
A pretty maneuver.
Handsome
Marked by or requiring skill or dexterity
Did some handsome maneuvers on the skating rink.
Pretty
Very bad; terrible
In a pretty predicament.
A situation that has reached a pretty pass.
Handsome
Appropriate or fitting
A handsome location for the new school.
Pretty
Ostensibly or superficially attractive but lacking substance or conviction
Full of pretty phrases.
Handsome
Having a pleasing appearance, good-looking, attractive, particularly
That is one handsome tree you've got there.
Pretty
(Informal) Considerable in size or extent
A pretty fortune.
Handsome
Attractively manly, having a pleasing face and overall effect.
I was tripping over his own feet coming in out of the surf.
Pretty
To a fair degree; moderately
A pretty good student.
Handsome
Statuesque, beautiful in a masculine or otherwise imposing way.
She was either handsome or her uniform created a flattering effect but—being very nearsighted—he couldn't tell from this distance.
Pretty
In a pretty manner; prettily or pleasingly.
Handsome
Good, appealing, appropriate.
Pretty
One that is pretty.
Handsome
(of weather) Fine, clear and bright.
Pretty
Pretties Delicate clothing, especially lingerie.
Handsome
Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; appropriate.
A handsome style
Pretty
To make pretty
Pretty up the house.
Handsome
Generous or noble in character.
Handsome is as handsome does.
Pretty
Pleasant to the sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children.
Handsome
Ample; moderately large.
A handsome salary
Pretty
Of objects or things: nice-looking, appealing.
Handsome
Dexterous; skillful.
Pretty
Fine-looking; only superficially attractive; initially appealing but having little substance; see petty.
Handsome
To render handsome.
Pretty
Cunning; clever, skilful.
Handsome
Dexterous; skillful; handy; ready; convenient; - applied to things as persons.
That they [engines of war] be both easy to be carried and handsome to be moved and turned about.
For a thief it is so handsome as it may seem it was first invented for him.
Pretty
(dated) Moderately large; considerable.
Handsome
Agreeable to the eye or to correct taste; having a pleasing appearance or expression; attractive; having symmetry and dignity; comely; - expressing more than pretty, and less than beautiful; as, a handsome man or woman; a handsome garment, house, tree, horse.
Pretty
(dated) Excellent, commendable, pleasing; fitting or proper (of actions, thoughts etc.).
Handsome
Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; graceful; becoming; appropriate; as, a handsome style, etc.
Easiness and handsome address in writing.
Pretty
(ironic) Awkward, unpleasant.
Handsome
Evincing a becoming generosity or nobleness of character; liberal; generous.
Handsome is as handsome does.
Pretty
Somewhat, fairly, quite; sometimes also (by meiosis) very.
Handsome
Ample; moderately large.
He . . . accumulated a handsome sum of money.
Pretty
(dialect) Prettily, in a pretty manner.
Handsome
To render handsome.
Pretty
A pretty person; a term of address to a pretty person.
Handsome
Pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion;
A fine-looking woman
A good-looking man
Better-looking than her sister
Very pretty but not so extraordinarily handsome
Our southern women are well-favored
Pretty
Something that is pretty.
We'll stop at the knife store and look at the sharp pretties.
Handsome
Given or giving freely;
Was a big tipper
The bounteous goodness of God
Bountiful compliments
A freehanded host
A handsome allowance
Saturday's child is loving and giving
A liberal backer of the arts
A munificent gift
Her fond and openhanded grandfather
Pretty
To make pretty; to beautify
Handsome
Having a dignified or elegant appearance or manner.
He looked handsome in his well-tailored suit.
Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; attracting, but not striking or impressing; of a pleasing and attractive form a color; having slight or diminutive beauty; neat or elegant without elevation or grandeur; pleasingly, but not grandly, conceived or expressed; as, a pretty face; a pretty flower; a pretty poem.
This is the prettiest lowborn lass that everRan on the greensward.
Pretty
Moderately large; considerable; as, he had saved a pretty fortune.
Pretty
Affectedly nice; foppish; - used in an ill sense.
The pretty gentleman is the most complaisant in the world.
Pretty
Mean; despicable; contemptible; - used ironically; as, a pretty trick; a pretty fellow.
Pretty
Stout; strong and brave; intrepid; valiant.
[He] observed they were pretty men, meaning not handsome.
Pretty
In some degree; moderately; considerably; rather; almost; - less emphatic than very; as, I am pretty sure of the fact; pretty cold weather.
Pretty plainly professes himself a sincere Christian.
Pretty
Pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing;
Pretty girl
Pretty song
Pretty room
Pretty
(used ironically) unexpectedly bad;
A pretty mess
A pretty kettle of fish
Pretty
Used as an intensifier (`jolly' is used informally in Britain);
Pretty big
Pretty bad
Jolly decent of him
FAQs
Can handsome be used to describe a woman?
Yes, it can describe a woman with distinguished and refined beauty.
Can handsome describe something other than people?
Yes, it can describe amounts, buildings, designs, etc.
Is pretty always about physical appearance?
No, it can also describe anything aesthetically pleasing or a considerable amount.
Can pretty represent a level of intensity?
Yes, e.g., pretty tired means fairly or considerably tired.
Is handsome more formal than pretty?
Handsome can sound more formal and dignified compared to pretty.
Can pretty refer to a clever trick?
Yes, e.g., “That was a pretty maneuver” means it was a clever or cunning act.
Can pretty describe men?
Yes, it can, especially to describe a youthful and delicate attractiveness.
Can handsome refer to the amount?
Yes, e.g., a handsome sum of money refers to a substantial amount.
Is there a feminine equivalent to handsome?
Pretty is often considered a feminine equivalent, emphasizing delicate beauty.
Can pretty be used sarcastically?
Yes, pretty can be used sarcastically to undermine something.
Does handsome always mean masculine beauty?
It often does but can also describe dignified and elegant beauty in women.
Is the usage of handsome changing?
Yes, its usage is becoming more flexible and inclusive.
Can something be both handsome and pretty?
Yes, depending on the context and perception, something can be described as both.
Can you call a child handsome or pretty?
Yes, both terms can be used to describe children's attractiveness.
Is pretty subjective?
Yes, what is considered pretty can vary greatly among different individuals.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
