magnanimous

[ mag-nan-uh-muhs ]

adjective

1. generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness:

   to be magnanimous toward one's enemies.

   Synonyms: kindly, charitable, big

2. high-minded; noble:

   a just and magnanimous ruler.

3. proceeding from or revealing generosity or nobility of mind, character, etc.:

   a magnanimous gesture of forgiveness.

magnanimous

/ mæɡˈnænɪməs /

adjective

1. generous and noble

Derived Forms

• magˈnanimousness, noun
• magˈnanimously, adverb

Other Words From

• mag·nani·mous·ly adverb
• mag·nani·mous·ness noun
• unmag·nani·mous adjective
• unmag·nani·mous·ly adverb
• unmag·nani·mous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnanimous¹

First recorded in 1540–60; from Latin magnanimus “great-souled,” equivalent to magn(us) “great” + anim(us) “spirit, soul, mind” + -us adjective suffix; magn-, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of magnanimous¹

C16: from Latin magnanimus great-souled

Synonym Study

See noble.

Example Sentences

Schieffer, by contrast, was more magnanimous and respectful.

From The Daily Beast

Even Rachel Maddow, who wrote her doctoral thesis on AIDS reform in prisons, seemed surprised by the seemingly magnanimous move.

From The Daily Beast

And how has this seemingly magnanimous gesture been received?

From The Daily Beast

As such, he calls for liberals to be magnanimous, recognize trade-offs, and say that this trade-off was worth it.

From The Daily Beast

This means that an agreement, when it finally emerges, will not be uplifting, elegant, and magnanimous.

From The Daily Beast

This man is Jean Biencourt, commonly called Potrincourt, of noble birth and a magnanimous man.

From Project Gutenberg

With which magnanimous sentiment he turned on his clumsy heel, and entered his apartment again.

From Project Gutenberg

Ah you're so magnanimous that you shall have it for nothing!

From Project Gutenberg

Buck had something in him which taught him how to be magnanimous.

From Project Gutenberg

These magnanimous sentiments were supported by the vigor of his actions.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• altruistic
• charitable
• considerate
• forgiving
• selfless
• unselfish
• unstinting