handsomelyadv.
/ˈhans(ə)mli/, U.S. /ˈhæn(t)səmli/ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > pleasing fitness > [adverb] > in seemly or decorous manner
comelyOE
menskful?c1225
seemlyc1320
menskfullya1375
tallya1375
comelilyc1400
comelywise1440
handsomely1525
decently1552
civilly1593
decent1716
comme il faut1756
decorously1808
wise-like1822
spiffily1977
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [adverb] > fittingly or properly
welleOE
fairOE
meetlyOE
rightOE
worthlylOE
haghelyc1175
worthilyc1175
becomelyc1200
properly?c1225
i-semelichec1275
thriftilyc1374
duly1382
sittinglyc1390
justlyc1392
rightfula1400
goodlyc1400
hemelyc1400
meeta1450
statelya1450
ensuingly?1518
handsomely1525
worshipfully1532
decently1552
due1581
meeterly1589
fairly1600
beseemingly1611
dightly1616
becomingly1624
befittingly1638
fittinglya1643
condecently1656
1525 J. Gough tr. J. Ryckes Ymage of Loue vj. sig. D.j I take of other holy doctoures this ymage to shewe vnto you whiche I thynke verely ye can shewe more hansomly vnto me.
1553 T. Wilson Arte of Rhetorique i. f. 4 Though he canne handsomely set them together.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. iii. f. 202 How much more fitly and more handesomely might these thinges be applied by way of allegorie.
1656 A. Cowley Davideis iv. 148 (note) in Poems The 20 years of the Arks abiding at Cariath-jearim will be handsomely made up.
1681 H. More Plain Expos. Daniel 130 So handsomely do all things fall in and agree together.
1694 W. Salmon Pharmacopœia Bateana i. xvi. 784/2 Heterogeneous bodies, which can never handsomely mix together.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 13. ¶4 He says very handsomly..that he does not Act for Gain.
2.
a. Skilfully, dexterously; cleverly.In later use with reference to eloquence of speech or argument; cf. sense 3a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adverb]
craftilyeOE
craftlyOE
hagherlyc1175
hendc1275
craftfully?c1335
taughtlya1382
craftiouslyc1450
handsomely1528
finely1538
skilfully1565
artfully1608
peritely1657
1528 T. Wyatt tr. Plutarch Quyete of Mynde Ep. Ded. sig. a ij The frutes of the aduertysmentes of them, whiche..this sayde Plutarch hath handsomly gadred togyder, without tedyousnesse of length.
1533 T. Elyot Of Knowl. Wise Man iv. f. 67 He can well ordre his playsters and oyntementes, and also vse handsomely the sayd instrumentes.
1539 Bible (Great) Judges iii. f. xcix/1 A man that coulde do nothyng handsomly wt his ryght hande.
1648 T. Gage Eng.-Amer. 26 The cards were handsomely shuffled.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. i. 3 The Iesuite handsomely answers, That Peter was then probably from home.
1716 D. Ryder Diary 2 Apr. (1939) (modernized text) 211 I very handsomely rallied them upon their affected ignorance of love.
1776 Spectator 3 125 The managing an argument handsomely being so nice a point,..I shall here set down a few rules on that head.
1840 Amer. Phrenol. Jrnl. 1 Oct. 44 Mr. O. S. Fowler has very handsomely answered this objection in the following note.
1906 Everybody's Mag. June 855/2 It has been very handsomely argued that poetry is what is beautiful, that what is merely eloquent is not beautiful and not poetry.
2006 B. Schweizer Rebecca West Today 241 Such an approach could handsomely answer recent laments about the failure of theory.
b. With care and caution; without haste; slowly and steadily; gradually. Now Nautical.In nautical use frequently reduplicated (see quot. 1867).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > slowness of action or operation > [adverb] > unhurriedly
easily1384
softlyc1450
leisurely1486
leisurablya1540
toomlyc1540
handsomely1550
deliberately1595
pausablya1633
advisedly1655
unhurriedly1880
1550 M. Coverdale tr. O. Werdmueller Spyrytuall & Precyouse Pearle xxii. sig. Jijv He hath also a sure eye to the sterne to rule, that as hansomlye & connyngly as he can.
1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. ciij Poure in water, handsomly.
1658 J. Rowland tr. T. Moffett Theater of Insects in Topsell's Hist. Four-footed Beasts (rev. ed.) 915 Lay it handsomely and as closely on as the sick can endure it.
1675 V. Alsop Anti-Sozzo 302 Tying both the Ends so handsomely together, that it may not Ravel out into Thrums.
1769 W. Falconer Universal Dict. Marine sig. Bb Lower handsomely! and lower cheerly! are opposed to each other, the former being the order to lower gradually.
1832 F. Marryat Newton Forster I. v. 71 Ease off the main sheet, handsomely my lad—not too much.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Handsomely, signifies steadily or leisurely; as ‘lower away handsomely’ when required to be done gradually and carefully. The term ‘handsomely’ repeated, implies ‘have a care; not so fast; tenderly’.
1928 F. P. Harlow Making of Sailor iii. 58 I jumped for the jib-sheet.., intending to slack away handsomely but didn't count on the strength of the wind.
2005 J. Ringo Against Tide xii Port beam, handsomely, handsomely. Belay. All together now!
3.
a. With elegance or grace of action or movement; neatly, nicely.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in specific manner > [adverb] > softly or gently
lightlyeOE
fairlyOE
handsomely1530
the world > action or operation > ability > skill or skilfulness > [adverb] > with physical skill
listlyc1000
featouslya1375
featlyc1400
deftlya1500
expedient1509
deliverly1530
handsomely1530
courteouslya1533
neatlya1547
dexteriously1605
cleverly1614
featilya1640
dexterously1646
deft1805
neat1822
handily1832
as neat (also nice, right, etc.) as ninepence1857
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > refinement > elegance > [adverb]
finec1400
worthilyc1400
nicelyc1450
handsomely1530
smicklyc1639
elegantly1753
neat1755
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement f. cclxxxvv/2 She can lulle a childe as hansomly aslepe as it were a woman of thurty yere olde.
1582 A. Munday Eng. Romayne Lyfe sig. D3 After they are rysen, they folde vp their sheetes hansomelie.
1638 F. Junius Painting of Ancients 41 We daily see..rope-dauncers..handsomly recover themselves after a perillous staggering and reeling.
1684 J. Bunyan Pilgrim's Progress 2nd Pt. ii. 161 The girl was to be commended, for she answered the Musick hansomely.
1743 H. Fielding Journey from this World i. xxv, in Misc. II. 215 Instruct a Child in the Science of coming handsomely into a Room.
1773 D. Garrick Chances iii. v. 33 Well, my sweet mistress, I'll try how handsomely your ladyship can caper in the air!
1809 M. Cutler Jrnl. 11 July in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) II. 341 Dr. Griffin preached a good sermon, handsomely delivered.
1870 Daily News 16 Apr. In the end, Kirkup threw his man handsomely.
1910 N. Carolina Hist. Comm. Bull. No. 7. 21 Haywood..inquired who had prepared the argument which Mr. Graham had delivered so handsomely.
2008 N.Y. Post (Nexis) 15 Jan. 41 It's this concentration on elegance..that gives the ballet, even when as handsomely danced as it was here, an evenness of texture and lack of climax.
b. So as to have an attractive or elegant appearance; finely, splendidly.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adverb]
fairlyOE
comelyOE
hendly?c1225
goodlyc1275
seemlya1325
sweet1338
quaintly1340
properlyc1390
well?a1400
comelilyc1400
seemlilyc1400
jollilyc1426
formally1548
handsomely1560
sightly1592
handsome1600
winsomely17..
nicely1714
in one's best (also worst) looks1816
presentably1848
1560 E. More Lytle Treat. Def. Women sig. B.iiv She dressed hym full handsomly.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) v. i. 297 Goe Sirha, to my Cell..trim it handsomely . View more context for this quotation
1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 14 10 Souldiers..as proper men as I have seen, and as handsomely cloathed.
1708 E. Hatton New View London I. 146 It is handsomely new Pewed with Oak.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. xii. 197 He now therefore entered, handsomely drest in his regimentals.
1814 H. M. Brackenridge Views Louisiana ii. v. 130 A vast plain..handsomely diversified with prairie and woodland.
1896 Fitchburg (Mass.) Daily Sentinel 16 Jan. 8/1 It [sc. a typewriter] is handsomely done with a white and gold effect.
1938 Amer. Home Jan. 32/1 (caption) A stairway of unusual openwork, with paneled dado, curving newel, handsomely supplements hall windows.
1970 G. Savage Dict. Antiques 312/2 Handsomely patinated bronzes are much sought.
2007 N.Y. Rev. Bks. 16 Aug. 22/3 His handsomely produced volume of poems and drawings.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > easiness > [adverb]
lighteOE
eathOE
eathlyc1000
wellc1325
easilyc1384
easy1400
mackly1440
of light?c1450
facilely1490
facile1524
handsomely1538
eaths1594
simply1681
unproblematically1771
slick1825
the world > action or operation > advantage > convenience > [adverb]
gainlyc1175
covenablyc1384
goodlyc1405
commodiously1420
handsomely1538
gainfully1549
conveniently1633
cleverly1697
commodely1749
commody1766
handily1793
accommodatingly1796
1538 T. Elyot Dict. Sub manus, easily, handsomly.
c1555 W. Baldwin & T. Palfreyman Treat. Moral Philos. (new ed.) iv. viii. sig. I.viiiv Heauye thinges shall little grieue hym that can handsomely beare them.
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 173 Yf you can hansomely conuay them, it is best to bring from the Sea, little Rockes with the weedes and all vppon them.
1653 J. Goddard Let. 28 July in Merton Coll. Oxf. Arch. Reg. 1567–1731 (MS) III. 396 I do nowe finde, that I cannot handsomely, or indeed without great preiudice..come to Oxford.
1691 T. Shadwell Royal Shepherdess (new ed.) iv. 45 If thou canst handsomely do it, and be back early in the morning.
1751 Gentleman's Mag. May 204/2 I am advanced so far in this dispute that I cannot handsomely retreat.
5. In accordance with what is seemly; courteously, graciously; decently. Later also in stronger sense: generously, magnanimously.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > pleasing fitness > [adverb]
handsomely1542
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > [adverb]
welleOE
fairOE
methelyOE
menskly?c1225
hendilyc1275
hendlyc1275
courteouslyc1290
bonairc1330
bonairly1340
goodly1372
debonairlya1375
henda1375
kindlya1375
fairlyc1480
humanelya1500
handsomely1542
civilly1552
gallantly1611
civil1642
politely1748
nicely1864
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > [adverb] > graciously
holdec1000
holdelyc1000
sweetly?c1225
courteouslyc1290
graciouslyc1384
favourably1388
thankfully1513
handsomely1542
officiously1604
graciousa1617
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes ii. f. 262 He enquiered of his familiares whether it semed to theim, yt he had any thyng handesomely enough plaied his parte in passing his life.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke vi. 74 That it maie please God handsomly and fauourably to send the good aide of his spirite.
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 21 He maintained them handsomely, and near his person.
1758 E. Kimber Life Capt. Neville Frowde iii. 123 If I could handsomely have refrained going to the House.
1775 R. B. Sheridan Rivals v. iii An affront handsomely acknowledged becomes an obligation.
1827 J. W. Croker Diary 18 Feb. in Croker Papers (1884) I. 364 The Duke spoke handsomely of Canning in all their personal intercourse.
1884 Manch. Examiner 11 June 4/7 It is admitted..that in giving this pledge the Government have acted handsomely.
1936 M. Mitchell Let. 22 Oct. in Gone with the Wind Lett. (1986) 79 Everyone who has been twitting me about the remark in the New Yorker has apologized handsomely.
1990 P. Nagel Lees of Virginia (1992) iii. 45 The diplomats were treated handsomely.
6. ironically. With reference to punishment, defeat, or other unwelcome experience: severely; thoroughly. Hence: extremely, completely, through and through.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > severity > [adverb] > specifically of punishment
well-favouredly1542
handsomely1628
1628 J. Shirley Wittie Faire One i. iii You take pains to whip me so handsomely.
1663 R. Southwell Let. 13 Oct. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1965) II. 119 Ye water Baylifs have beene 3 times handsomely repulsed by ye sea men.
1716 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 3 Aug. (1965) I. 249 We were all Sunday night toss'd very handsomely.
a1777 S. Foote in T. Wilkinson Wandering Patentee (1795) IV. 255 Flog him handsomely.
1839 C. Dickens Nicholas Nickleby xxvii. 268 The Frenchman, who cleaned you out so handsomely last night.
1870 R. Morris Youthful Explorers in Bible Lands iv. 69 I..flogged them handsomely with my whip.
1914 Green Bag Feb. 64/2 A soldier came staggering up to the Field Hospital stroking a handsomely swollen jaw.
1919 Everybody's Mag. July 100/3 The ex-prize-fighter stepped in and hit him handsomely, with every ounce of his strength.
2002 C. Hellman Bogie xxxi. 77 So confident was he, he bet me a gallon of the finest Scotch whisky that he would beat me handsomely.
7. Amply, without stint; liberally, generously; considerably.Chiefly in reference to a payment or gift.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > sufficient quantity, amount, or degree > abundance > [adverb] > liberally or without stint
roomlyOE
freelyOE
unwaindandlyc1425
roundc1450
liberally1509
superabundantly1530
spareless1567
meeterly1589
generously1623
handsomely1686
unstintedly1849
1686 Strange & Wonderful Hist. Mother Shipton 3 The Neighbors observing Agatha without any Employ to live so handsomly, wondred exceedingly how she came by it.
1722 J. Macky Journey through Eng. (ed. 2) I. iv. 71 At Play..the Ladies think it no Crime to pawm handsomely.
1735 P. T. Let. 4 Apr. in A. Pope Narr. Method by which Private Lett. Pope procur'd & Published 20 If you'll pay the Paper and Print, and allow me handsomely for the Copy.
1778 F. Burney Let. 26 Sept. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1994) III. 170 He must come down very handsomely with a settlement.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xlv. 402 He..subscribed handsomely to the county charities.
1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 411 Edward..granted new privileges to the Hanse association, for which they were always ready to pay handsomely.
1919 T. S. Eliot Let. 4 May (1988) I. 290 I should think that E. Point [sc. a house] at least ought to realise very handsomely.
2010 New Yorker 8 Feb. 44/2 The agency pays its informants handsomely for their work.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2013; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adv.1525