winsome

win·some

adjective \ˈwin(t)-səm\

Definition of WINSOME

1

: generally pleasing and engaging often because of a childlike charm and innocence <a winsome smile>

2

: cheerful, lighthearted

— win·some·ly adverb

— win·some·ness noun

Examples of WINSOME

1. He had a winsome, boyish smile.
2. <she was a bright, winsome gamine who could draw a smile out of anyone>

Origin of WINSOME

Middle English winsum, from Old English wynsum, from wynn joy; akin to Old High German wunna joy, Latin venus desire — more at win

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to WINSOME

Synonyms

blithe, blithesome, bright, buoyant, canty [British dialect], cheery, chipper, eupeptic, gay, gladsome, lightsome, sunny, upbeat, cheerful

Antonyms

dour, gloomy, glum, morose, saturnine, sulky, sullen

Related Words

hopeful, optimistic, rosy, sanguine; animated, chirpy, jaunty, lilting, lively, perky, sprightful, sprightly, vivacious; carefree, careless, cavalier, devil-may-care, easygoing, happy-go-lucky, insouciant, lighthearted, unconcerned; boon, gleeful, jocund, jolly, jovial, merry, mirthful; blissful, delighted, glad, gratified, happy, joyful, joyous, pleased, satisfied, tickled; beaming, grinning, laughing, smiling

Near Antonyms

joyless, sad, unhappy, unsatisfied; dull, lethargic, listless, sluggish, torpid; blue, brokenhearted, crestfallen, dejected, depressed, despondent, disconsolate, disheartened, down, downcast, downhearted, droopy, forlorn, hangdog, heavyhearted, inconsolable, low, low-spirited, melancholy, mirthless, sorrowful