Cute vs. Handsome — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Cute typically conveys an endearing, sweet, or childlike quality, while Handsome generally refers to an attractive, elegant appearance, often regarding men.
Difference Between Cute and Handsome
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Cute" is an adjective often used to convey something or someone as being adorable, charming, or endearing in a sweet, naive, or diminutive way. When we say a puppy is cute, we’re highlighting its delightful and heartwarming characteristics.
Conversely, "Handsome" primarily refers to an aesthetic that is classically attractive and somewhat implies a level of dignity or elegance. It's mostly used to describe an appealing, stately appearance in men, illustrating a mature or polished attractiveness.
The term "Cute" may encapsulate innocence, vulnerability, or even naivety. It may imply that the subject, be it a person or an animal, exhibits qualities that evoke warmth, kindness, or a non-threatening charm, often inciting a protective or affectionate response from others.
In contrast, "Handsome" tends to connote a strong, confident aesthetic, potentially reflecting capability or assuredness. When a person is described as handsome, there might be an implicit recognition of their physical attractiveness coupled with a dignified or strong demeanor.
While "Cute" has a universal application and can be used across age groups and genders, its use can sometimes be diminutive when applied to adults, as it often evokes youthful or babyish qualities.
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"Handsome," although primarily used for men, can also be used to describe women in a way that highlights a particular, often androgynous, aesthetic that leans into attributes traditionally associated with masculinity, such as strength or boldness.
Comparison Chart
General Use
Widely used for all ages/genders.
Primarily used for men.
Connotation
Sweet, endearing, possibly naive.
Strong, dignified, attractive.
Application
Can apply to appearance/behavior.
Mostly applies to appearance.
Age Implication
Often associated with youth.
Implies a mature attractiveness.
Gender Association
Unisex, though sometimes feminine.
Typically masculine.
Compare with Definitions
Cute
Adorable, charming
The cute kitten purred softly in her lap.
Handsome
Substantial, ample
She left a handsome tip for the excellent service.
Cute
Small, diminutive
She wore a cute hat that matched her outfit.
Handsome
Gracious, noble
The handsome gesture was appreciated by all.
Cute
Delightful, pleasing
What a cute idea for a surprise party!
Handsome
Striking, remarkable
The building had a handsome facade.
Cute
Endearing, lovable
His cute gestures make everyone smile.
Handsome
Attractive, good-looking
The handsome actor has a large fan base.
Cute
Naive, innocent
His cute misunderstanding of the situation made us laugh.
Handsome
Pleasing in form or appearance, especially having strong or distinguished features
A handsome man.
A woman with a handsome face.
Cute
Attractive in a pretty or endearing way
She had a cute little nose
Handsome
Having stately or attractive proportions or appearance; impressive
A handsome manor.
A sleek, handsome car.
Cute
Clever or cunning, especially in a self-seeking or superficial way
The two brothers were cute enough to find a couple of rich women and marry them
She had a real cute idea
Handsome
Large in amount or measure; generous or considerable
A handsome reward.
Won by a handsome margin.
Cute
Attractive or pretty in a youthful or dainty way
A cute puppy.
A child wearing a cute outfit.
Handsome
Marked by or requiring skill or dexterity
Did some handsome maneuvers on the skating rink.
Cute
Sexually attractive; good-looking
A cute boyfriend.
Handsome
Appropriate or fitting
A handsome location for the new school.
Cute
Obviously contrived to charm; precious
"[He] mugs so ferociously he kills the humor—it's an insufferably cute performance" (David Ansen).
Handsome
Having a pleasing appearance, good-looking, attractive, particularly
That is one handsome tree you've got there.
Cute
Clever or witty, especially in an impertinent or evasive way, as in falsely suggesting that one is ignorant about the matter at hand.
Handsome
Attractively manly, having a pleasing face and overall effect.
I was tripping over his own feet coming in out of the surf.
Cute
Possessing physical features, behaviors, personality traits or other properties that are mainly attributed to infants and small or cuddly animals; e.g. fair, dainty, round, and soft physical features, disproportionately large eyes and head, playfulness, fragility, helplessness, curiosity or shyness, innocence, affectionate behavior.
Our reaction to cute attributes is understood as the way nature ensures mammals care for their young.
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.
Cute
Lovable, charming, attractive or pleasing, especially in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.
Let's go to the mall and look for cute girls.
Handsome
Good, appealing, appropriate.
Cute
Sexually attractive or pleasing; gorgeous.
He's got such cute buns.
Handsome
(of weather) Fine, clear and bright.
Cute
Affected or contrived to charm; mincingly clever; precious; cutesy.
The actor's performance was too cute for me. All that mugging to the audience killed the humor.
Don't get cute with me, boy!
Handsome
Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; appropriate.
A handsome style
Cute
Mentally keen or discerning (See also acute)
Cute trick, but can you do it consistently?
Handsome
Generous or noble in character.
Handsome is as handsome does.
Cute
Evincing cleverness; surprising in its elegance or unconventionality (but of limited importance).
There's a cute alternative proof of this using lambda calculus.
Handsome
Ample; moderately large.
A handsome salary
Cute
Clever; sharp; shrewd; ingenious; cunning.
Handsome
Dexterous; skillful.
Cute
Pleasantly attractive, in a delicate way; - said of children, young ladies, pet animals and some objects, but seldom of adults; as, a cute child; a cute kitten; a cute little house; a cute statue.
Handsome
To render handsome.
Cute
Smart-alecky or impertinent; as, a cute remark.
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.
Cute
Affectedly clever.
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.
Cute
Attractive especially by means of smallness or prettiness or quaintness;
A cute kid with pigtails
A cute little apartment
Cunning kittens
A cunning baby
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.
Cute
Obviously contrived to charm;
An insufferably precious performance
A child with intolerably cute mannerisms
Handsome
Evincing a becoming generosity or nobleness of character; liberal; generous.
Handsome is as handsome does.
Handsome
Ample; moderately large.
He . . . accumulated a handsome sum of money.
Handsome
To render handsome.
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
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
Handsome
Dignified, elegant
He looked handsome in his well-tailored suit.
Common Curiosities
Is "Handsome" used for women?
Yes, but it’s less common and often implies a strong, dignified beauty.
Can "Cute" describe adults?
Yes, "cute" can describe adults in a context implying charm or endearment.
Can objects be described as "Cute"?
Absolutely, objects like clothing or items can be described as cute.
Can "Cute" be used sarcastically?
Yes, like many adjectives, it can be used sarcastically or facetiously.
Can "Handsome" describe non-physical attributes?
Yes, e.g., a "handsome" sum of money, meaning a large or substantial amount.
Can "Cute" imply small size?
Yes, "cute" often associates with small, charming things or people.
Is "Cute" always positive?
Generally, yes, but context matters. It might be diminutive in certain situations.
Does "Handsome" imply physical fitness?
Not always, but it often associates with a well-kept appearance.
Is "Cute" professional language?
It’s casual and might not be suitable for formal/professional contexts.
Does "Handsome" imply moral quality?
Not directly, it’s mostly about aesthetics, though sometimes implies nobility.
Can "Handsome" refer to younger boys?
Yes, it might suggest they have a mature or classic appearance for their age.
Is calling a woman "Handsome" offensive?
Not inherently, but it’s unconventional and can be context-dependent.
Can you use "Handsome" to describe animals?
Yes, animals like horses are often called handsome, highlighting stature or features.
Can "Cute" describe demeanor?
Yes, a person can act cute, meaning in an adorable or charming manner.
Is "Cute" suitable to describe professionalism?
Rarely, as "cute" generally leans towards casual or endearing contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
