Magnanimous

Definition

Very generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful.

Beyond the definition

Magnanimous describes the grace of giving — not just money, but forgiveness, credit, and consideration — without being asked and without expecting anything in return. It's one of the noblest words in the language.

Origin & history

From Latin magnus 'great' + animus 'mind, spirit.' Literally: great-souled.

Example sentences

Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.

The champion was magnanimous in victory, praising her opponent's performance.

His magnanimous offer to cover the costs took everyone by surprise.

It was magnanimous of her to forgive a mistake that had cost her so much.

Synonyms

generous, noble, gracious, benevolent, forgiving

Antonyms

petty, small-minded, vindictive, selfish

Related words

• gracious
• beneficent
• largesse
• altruistic

Magnanimous vs generous

Generous means giving freely — time, money, credit, praise. Magnanimous is a more elevated quality: noble-generous, especially toward a rival or someone who wronged you. The magnanimous gesture is remarkable precisely because it would have been understandable not to make it. You can be generous with a friend; magnanimity is what you show to an adversary.

Word in the Wild

See how this word appears in life, language and stories.

Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.

Fictional scene

Neighbours rebuilding damaged garden together

Neighbours work together to stake a bent plant and clear branches in a storm-damaged courtyard, showing care for the shared space.

The act of restorative cooperation, especially when facing loss or difficulty, illustrates a generous spirit that prioritizes collective recovery and grace toward others, even during periods of shared hardship.

Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated illustration