Gorgeous vs. Handsome — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 15, 2024
"Gorgeous" primarily describes striking beauty and attractiveness, often with a sense of opulence or vividness, while "handsome" typically refers to a dignified or appealing appearance, especially in men.
Difference Between Gorgeous and Handsome
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Gorgeous is often used to describe something or someone extremely beautiful or stunning, emphasizing a level of sophistication or grandeur. Whereas "handsome" is more restrained, suggesting a classic, appealing look that is less flamboyant.
The term "gorgeous" can apply to landscapes, scenes, and objects, conveying a sense of overwhelming or elaborate beauty. On the other hand, "handsome" is usually reserved for describing people, particularly men, and occasionally architecture or design, emphasizing form and proportion.
"Gorgeous" often carries a more emotional, vibrant connotation, suitable for expressing reactions to breathtaking aesthetics or elaborate designs. In contrast, "handsome" implies a more balanced, admirable quality that inspires respect rather than awe.
When describing women, "gorgeous" is frequently used to denote a very striking or vivid attractiveness. Conversely, "handsome" used for women can suggest a strong, distinctive beauty that does not necessarily conform to traditional feminine aesthetics.
In fashion and design, "gorgeous" might be used to describe something exceptionally eye-catching or elaborately styled. Whereas "handsome" when used in this context, often refers to something well-made and impressively sturdy, yet aesthetically pleasing in a subdued way.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Context
Both people and things, connoting opulence
Primarily people, implying dignified beauty
Connotation
Elaborate, stunning, vivid
Respectable, balanced, classic
Gender Association
Often used for women or femininely beautiful things
Predominantly used for men
Intensity
High emotional impact, awe-inspiring
Calm admiration, respect
Common in Descriptions
Fashion, landscapes, interiors
Facial features, build, architecture
Compare with Definitions
Gorgeous
Very colorful or rich.
The sunset was absolutely gorgeous last evening.
Handsome
Appropriate or fitting.
He gave a handsome apology to the offended party.
Gorgeous
Strikingly beautiful or magnificent.
The wedding venue was gorgeous with flowers everywhere.
Handsome
Substantial, considerable.
The author earned a handsome royalty from the book.
Gorgeous
Extremely good or pleasing.
He delivered a gorgeous performance on stage.
Handsome
Marked by skill or cleverness.
The craftsman did a handsome job restoring the antique.
Gorgeous
Visually stunning.
She wore a gorgeous dress to the premiere.
Handsome
Pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion.
He is considered very handsome in his tailored suit.
Gorgeous
Elaborately or tastefully attractive.
The décor of the room was simply gorgeous.
Handsome
Generous or ample.
She received a handsome sum for her inheritance.
Gorgeous
Beautiful; very attractive
Gorgeous colours and exquisite decoration
Handsome
Pleasing in form or appearance, especially having strong or distinguished features
A handsome man.
A woman with a handsome face.
Gorgeous
Dazzlingly beautiful or magnificent
Wore a gorgeous Victorian gown.
Handsome
Having stately or attractive proportions or appearance; impressive
A handsome manor.
A sleek, handsome car.
Gorgeous
Characterized by magnificence or virtuosic brilliance
The pianist's gorgeous technique.
Handsome
Large in amount or measure; generous or considerable
A handsome reward.
Won by a handsome margin.
Gorgeous
(Informal) Wonderful; delightful.
Handsome
Marked by or requiring skill or dexterity
Did some handsome maneuvers on the skating rink.
Gorgeous
(of a person or place) Very beautiful.
All the contest judges agreed that Brigitt was absolutely gorgeous.
The sunsets in Hawaii are gorgeous.
Handsome
Appropriate or fitting
A handsome location for the new school.
Gorgeous
(rare) Very enjoyable, pleasant, tasty, etc.
Hummus is absolutely gorgeous.
Handsome
Having a pleasing appearance, good-looking, attractive, particularly
That is one handsome tree you've got there.
Gorgeous
Imposing through splendid or various colors; showy; fine; magnificent.
Cloud-land, gorgeous land.
Gorgeous as the sun at midsummer.
Handsome
Attractively manly, having a pleasing face and overall effect.
I was tripping over his own feet coming in out of the surf.
Gorgeous
Dazzlingly beautiful;
A gorgeous Victorian gown
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.
Handsome
Good, appealing, appropriate.
Handsome
(of weather) Fine, clear and bright.
Handsome
Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; appropriate.
A handsome style
Handsome
Generous or noble in character.
Handsome is as handsome does.
Handsome
Ample; moderately large.
A handsome salary
Handsome
Dexterous; skillful.
Handsome
To render handsome.
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.
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.
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.
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
Common Curiosities
What makes someone look gorgeous?
Striking beauty and vivid charm often make someone look gorgeous.
Can the term gorgeous be used to describe a performance?
Yes, performances can be described as gorgeous if they are exceptionally beautiful or impressive.
Can objects be described as gorgeous?
Yes, objects like paintings and designs can be called gorgeous due to their stunning appeal.
What type of beauty does handsome suggest?
Handsome suggests a beauty that is dignified and proportionate.
How is gorgeous used in fashion?
In fashion, gorgeous is used to describe strikingly beautiful or elaborately designed outfits.
Is handsome only applicable to men?
Primarily, but it can also describe women with a distinguished beauty.
Does handsome have a connotation beyond physical appearance?
Yes, it can also imply generosity or skill, like a handsome donation or a handsomely crafted piece.
Are there different connotations when calling a woman handsome?
Yes, it implies a strong, impressive beauty rather than delicate or traditional femininity.
Is it outdated to call women handsome?
It's less common today but still used to convey a unique, strong beauty in women.
Can landscapes be described as gorgeous?
Absolutely, especially when they are strikingly beautiful or visually stunning.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
