The difference between Handsome and Pretty

When used as verbs, handsome means to render handsome, whereas pretty means to make pretty.

When used as adjectives, handsome means visually attractive, whereas pretty means pleasant in sight or other senses.

Pretty is also noun with the meaning: a pretty person.

Pretty is also adverb with the meaning: somewhat, fairly, quite.

check bellow for the other definitions of Handsome and Pretty

  1. Handsome as an adjective (of people, things, etc):

    Having a good appearance; good-looking. Visually attractive; pleasant looking, good-looking. Striking, impressive and elegantly proportioned, though not typically beautiful.

    Examples:

    "a handsome garment, house, tree, or horse"

    "a handsome man"

  2. Handsome as an adjective (of weather):

    Good, appealing, appropriate. Fine, clear and bright. Suitable or fit in action; marked with propriety and ease; appropriate.

    Examples:

    "a handsome style, etc."

  3. Handsome as an adjective:

    Generous or noble in character.

    Examples:

    "Handsome is as handsome does."

  4. Handsome as an adjective:

    Ample; moderately large.

    Examples:

    "a handsome salary"

  5. Handsome as an adjective (obsolete, said of things and people):

    Dexterous; skillful.

  1. Handsome as a verb (transitive, obsolete):

    To render handsome.

  1. Pretty as an adjective:

    Pleasant in sight or other senses; attractive, especially of women or children.

  2. Pretty as an adjective:

    Of objects or things: nice-looking, appealing.

  3. Pretty as an adjective (often, _, pejorative):

    Fine-looking; only superficially attractive; initially appealing but having little substance; see petty.

  4. Pretty as an adjective:

    Cunning; clever, skilful.

  5. Pretty as an adjective (dated):

    Moderately large; considerable.

  6. Pretty as an adjective (dated):

    Excellent, commendable, pleasing; fitting or proper (of actions, thoughts etc.).

  7. Pretty as an adjective (ironic):

    Awkward, unpleasant.

  1. Pretty as an adverb:

    Somewhat, fairly, quite; sometimes also (by meiosis) very.

  2. Pretty as an adverb (dialect):

    Prettily, in a pretty manner.

  1. Pretty as a noun:

    A pretty person; a term of address to a pretty person.

  2. Pretty as a noun:

    Something that is pretty.

    Examples:

    "We'll stop at the knife store a look at the sharp pretties."

  1. Pretty as a verb:

    To make pretty; to beautify

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