becomingness
English
Etymology
From becoming (“suitable, fit”) + -ness.
Noun
becomingness (uncountable)
- The state or quality of being becoming (pleasingly suitable).
- 1814, Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, Chapter 26,[1]
- Miss Crawford smiled her perfect approbation; and hastened to complete the gift by putting the necklace round her, and making her see how well it looked. Fanny had not a word to say against its becomingness, and, excepting what remained of her scruples, was exceedingly pleased with an acquisition so very apropos.
- 1897, Frances Hodgson Burnett, His Grace of Osmonde, New York: Scribner, Chapter 17, p. 231,[2]
- There would have been little becomingness in his hastening after her and his Lordship of Dunstanwolde; his court to her must be paid with grace and considerateness.
- 1924, O. Douglas (pseudonym of Anna Masterton Buchan), Pink Sugar, London: Hodder & Stoughton, Chapter 22,[3]
- The becomingness of Kirsty’s clothes did nothing to soften Rebecca’s feelings towards her.
- 1814, Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, Chapter 26,[1]