The spelling of the word "handsome" is often misspelled as "handsum." The correct spelling is with an "o" rather than a "u." The word "handsome" is pronounced /ˈhæn.d.səm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "h" is pronounced with voice, and the "a" is pronounced as in the word "hat." The "n" and "d" are pronounced with the tongue tip touching the upper teeth. The "s" is pronounced with voiceless airflow and the "o" is pronounced as in the word "cone." The final "m" is pronounced with voice.
The word "handsome" originated in the 15th century in Middle English as "handsom", derived from the Old English word "handsēom" or "handsǣm". Its roots can be traced back to the combination of two words: "hand" and "sōm" or "sǣm".
The term "hand" referred to something easily handled or controlled, but in the context of "handsome", it carries a broader meaning associated with skill or ownership. On the other hand, "sōm" denotes "fitting" or "suitable" in Old English. Therefore, "handsom" originally meant "easy to handle" or "fitting for use".
Over time, the word's definition gradually evolved to encompass physical attractiveness as well.