good-looking

the compound "good-looking" is a relatively modern english formation, emerging in the 18th century. it follows a common english pattern of combining an adjective ("good") with a present participle ("looking") to create a descriptive term. the logic is transparent: "good" serves as an evaluative prefix, while "looking" refers to one's appearance or aspect. thus, the term literally means "having a good appearance," directly conveying its modern meaning of physical attractiveness. this pattern is analogous to other compounds like "hard-working" or "easy-going."

Structure: good (sense) + looking (sense) good: from old english gōd, meaning 'good, virtuous, desirable, pleasant, valid'. functions as an intensifier/modifier in this compound. looking: from old english lōcian, meaning 'to see, gaze, appear'. functions as the core element describing appearance or aspect.