adj

comely

KUHM-lee

adj

Pleasant to look at; attractive, especially in a wholesome or modest way.

"The novel describes her as a comely young woman with quiet confidence."

How to Use Comely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned way of saying someone or something is good-looking, without the intensity of "gorgeous" or "stunning."

When to use it

Fairly literary or old-fashioned in modern English; rare in everyday speech.

Common pairings

comely lass comely appearance

Word Forms

comelier comparative, more comely comparative, more comely comparative, comelied past tense, comelies singular, comeliest superlative, most comely superlative, most comely superlative

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The novel describes her as a _____ young woman with quiet confidence.

Etymology

From Old English cymlic, meaning "beautiful" or "splendid," combined with the suffix -lic ("-like").

Rhymes for comely

Ely rely Neely lonely timely lovely homely widely lively lately rarely barely

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