Handsome vs. Pretty
Difference Between Handsome and Pretty
Handsomeadjective
(of people, things, etc) Having a good appearance; good-looking.
a handsome garment, house, tree, or horsePrettyadjective
Pleasant in sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children.
Handsomeadjective
(of a man or boy) Visually attractive; pleasant looking, good-looking. Examples contradict label. Also, it seems to me that Austen uses "handsome" about women synonymously with "beautiful", so maybe that is an obsolete sense?
a handsome manPrettyadjective
Of objects or things: nice-looking, appealing.
Handsomeadjective
(of a woman) Striking, impressive and elegantly proportioned, though not typically beautiful.
Prettyadjective
Fine-looking; only superficially attractive; initially appealing but having little substance; see petty.
Handsomeadjective
Good, appealing, appropriate.
Prettyadjective
Cunning; clever, skilful.
Handsomeadjective
(of weather) Fine, clear and bright.
Prettyadjective
(dated) Moderately large; considerable.
Handsomeadjective
Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; appropriate.
a handsome style, etc.Prettyadjective
(dated) Excellent, commendable, pleasing; fitting or proper (of actions, thoughts etc.).
Handsomeadjective
Generous or noble in character.
Handsome is as handsome does.Prettyadjective
(ironic) Awkward, unpleasant.
Handsomeadjective
Ample; moderately large.
a handsome salaryPrettyadverb
Somewhat, fairly, quite; sometimes also (by meiosis) very.
Handsomeadjective
Dexterous; skillful.
Prettyadverb
(dialect) Prettily, in a pretty manner.
Handsomeverb
To render handsome.
Prettynoun
A pretty person; a term of address to a pretty person.
Handsomeadjective
pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion;
a fine-looking womana good-looking manbetter-looking than her sistervery pretty but not so extraordinarily handsomeour southern women are well-favoredPrettynoun
Something that is pretty.
"We'll stop at the knife store a look at the sharp pretties.''Handsomeadjective
given or giving freely;
was a big tipperthe bounteous goodness of Godbountiful complimentsa freehanded hosta handsome allowanceSaturday's child is loving and givinga liberal backer of the artsa munificent gifther fond and openhanded grandfatherPrettyverb
To make pretty; to beautify
Prettyadjective
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing;
pretty girlpretty songpretty roomPrettyadjective
(used ironically) unexpectedly bad;
a pretty messa pretty kettle of fishPrettyadverb
used as an intensifier (`jolly' is used informally in Britain);
pretty bigpretty badjolly decent of him
