Can this word be used in this way: handsome car, handsome flower, etc.
Thank you in advance!
handsome
Moderator: EC
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- Rising Star
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Re: handsome
"Handsome" applies to more than just good-looking men in English. A pretty,
statuesque woman might often be called handsome (see Jamie Lee Curtis et al);
a car, yes, but not so frequently. Flowers, yes, but usually thought of as pretty,
as they are very feminine...
Hermit
statuesque woman might often be called handsome (see Jamie Lee Curtis et al);
a car, yes, but not so frequently. Flowers, yes, but usually thought of as pretty,
as they are very feminine...
Hermit
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- Member
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Thu May 27, 2010 3:53 pm
- Status: Teacher of English
Re: handsome
I would say "handsome" falls more under genetically appealing, typically.
However, with the phrase, "A handsome sum of money", handsome would mean large, generous or copious . (quasi-formal)
I'd say, "nice car" or "beautiful car" and "pretty flowers" or "beautiful flowers"
It also (almost always) depends on the formality and type of the people you are speaking to.
"Gorgeous flowers" would be something a female would say, but most probably not a male. It would sound effeminate if a male did.
However, with the phrase, "A handsome sum of money", handsome would mean large, generous or copious . (quasi-formal)
I'd say, "nice car" or "beautiful car" and "pretty flowers" or "beautiful flowers"
It also (almost always) depends on the formality and type of the people you are speaking to.
"Gorgeous flowers" would be something a female would say, but most probably not a male. It would sound effeminate if a male did.