Definition

Attractive, appealing, or charming in a way that is innocent, sweet, or endearing; possessing a quality that wins affection or admiration. The term suggests a combination of attractiveness and likability.

Example Usage

Her winsome smile and playful humor made her instantly popular with colleagues.

Origin

From Old English wynsum, derived from wyn (joy) and -sum (suffix meaning 'characterized by'), dating back to medieval times.

Fun Fact

The word peaked in literary popularity during the Victorian era when 'winsome' characters were stock figures in sentimental novels.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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