Search from various English teachers...
Emilio Ortega
"She is not good-looking anymore "
Hello, could someone explain to me what is the difference between good-looking and atractive ?
Feb 3, 2018 10:25 PM
Answers · 4
1
I think Garrett gave a pretty good answer, but I think I might try to simplify it a bit. The words are pretty much synonymous so you can use either one you like. But, I tend to agree that „attractive“ seems to suggest something much more subjective, a matter of personal taste. We’ve all heard people say, „he or she is so attractive“ and we look at the person and are puzzled and say or think, „fine for you but I sure don’t see that. Yuk.“ When you say „good-looking“ we expect everyone to kind of agree with us, even if that’s not always the case. So, that too is frequently subjective. That’s why I say the words are relatively synonymous. I’ve often heard people say an actor is good-looking but yet heard someone come along and say, „No he’s not.“. Or, „Well, I don’t frankly see it. Maybe he’s just not my type.“
February 3, 2018
1
"Good-looking" sounds more generic and modest, to me. You can say that you find someone "good-looking" yet you aren't attracted to them. "Attractive" sounds more committal. Not only are they good looking, but you personally are attracted to them. You can even find people who don't look good attractive, since beauty is down to personal taste of course.
In the phrase "She is not good-looking anymore" it sounds to me like she's old and wrinkled now. "She is not attractive anymore" sounds more like her partner is complaining that they don't find themselves attracted to her anymore.
That's how these words sound to me, at least.
February 3, 2018
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Emilio Ortega
Language Skills
English, Spanish
Learning Language
English
Articles You May Also Like

English Vocabulary for Using Microsoft Office at Work
6 likes · 0 Comments

How to Answer “How Was Your Weekend?” Naturally in English
47 likes · 29 Comments

Why Some Jokes Don’t Translate: Understanding Humor in English
15 likes · 6 Comments
More articles
