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Question
#51440. ranan
asks:
Is it all right to use the term handsome for women and beautiful for men?
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Arpeggionist
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Depending on the context. As an indication of good looks, beautiful only works for a man if he's extremely good looking. A woman is described as "handsome" only when there's more to her fine qualities than just her good looks (such as success or personal grace).
An exception to the rule is John Lennon's song to his "Beautiful Boy".
Oct 04 04, 8:02 AM
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MrsAce
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By definition of the word, I don't think many women would take "handsome" as a compliment.
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.
Oct 05 04, 9:43 AM
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