How Do You Spell UNHANDSOMENESS?

Pronunciation: [ʌnhˈandsʌmnəs] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "unhandsomeness" can be confusing due to the combination of letters in the middle. However, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help clarify the pronunciation of this word: /ʌnˈhændsəmnəs/. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "d" and "s" are combined with a "dz" sound, indicated by the symbol "ʤ". Therefore, "unhandsomeness" is pronounced as "un-HAND-suhm-ness" with a slightly softer "d" sound in the middle.

UNHANDSOMENESS Meaning and Definition

  1. Unhandsomeness refers to the quality or characteristic of lacking physical attractiveness, often used to describe the appearance of a person, object, or situation. It denotes a state where external or visual qualities are considered unpleasing, unappealing, or aesthetically unattractive.

    When referring to individuals, unhandsomeness typically describes a lack of physical beauty or pleasing features, including facial features, body proportions, or general overall appearance. It suggests an absence of perceived attractiveness, with notable qualities that are considered less desirable or aesthetically displeasing. This can include factors such as asymmetry, irregularities, or disproportions that are believed to deviate from culturally accepted standards of beauty.

    Unhandsomeness can also be applied to objects or situations that are visually unappealing or unattractive. In this context, it implies an absence of qualities that are considered visually pleasing or attractive, such as in architecture, design, or general aesthetic preferences. Aesthetically displeasing factors such as awkward proportions, lack of symmetry, or unattractive colors may contribute to the overall unhandsomeness of the object or situation.

    In summary, unhandsomeness is a term used to describe the state of lacking physical attractiveness or visual appeal, whether applied to individuals, objects, or situations. It conveys a sense of not conforming to society's perception of beauty or aesthetic standards.

  2. Want of beauty and elegance; unfairness; incivility.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for UNHANDSOMENESS

  • ynhandsomeness
  • hnhandsomeness
  • jnhandsomeness
  • inhandsomeness
  • 8nhandsomeness
  • 7nhandsomeness
  • ubhandsomeness
  • umhandsomeness
  • ujhandsomeness
  • uhhandsomeness
  • ungandsomeness
  • unbandsomeness
  • unnandsomeness
  • unjandsomeness
  • unuandsomeness
  • unyandsomeness
  • unhzndsomeness
  • unhsndsomeness
  • unhwndsomeness
  • unhqndsomeness

Etymology of UNHANDSOMENESS

The term "unhandsomeness" is derived from the combination of two words: "un-" and "handsomeness".

The prefix "un-" is a common prefix in English, meaning "not" or "lacking". It is used to reverse the meaning of a word, indicating the negation or opposite of what the base word represents.

The word "handsomeness" is itself derived from the adjective "handsome", which originated from the Middle English word "handsom", meaning "skillful" or "easy to handle" (used to describe horses). Over time, the meaning of "handsome" expanded to include concepts of attractiveness, beauty, and elegance.

Therefore, "unhandsomeness" essentially means "the lack of handsomeness" or "the state of not being handsome", referring to the absence or deficiency of attractiveness or beauty.

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