Where does “handsomely” come from?

Handsomely derives from Middle English -ly, Old English -līċ, Proto-Germanic -līkaz, and Proto-Germanic galīkaz, ultimately tracing to Proto-Indo-European roots meaning "like" or "suitable."

handsomely (English): In a handsome or attractive manner; Generously;...

Definitions

  1. In a handsome or attractive manner; Generously;...

Ancestry of “handsomely”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishhandsomeHaving a good appearance; good-looking; Good,...
2Middle Englishhandsum—
Every word from Middle English handsum →Every word from English handsome →