magnanimous
mag-NAN-i-muhs
/mæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/
Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival, enemy, or someone less powerful.
Implies noble greatness of soul; rising above petty resentment, jealousy, or revenge after achieving victory.
The story behind the word. Aristotle introduced the concept of 'megalopsychia' (greatness of soul) in his Nichomachean Ethics as the highest moral virtue. Roman scholars translated this directly into Latin as 'magnanimitas' (from 'magnus' = great + 'animus' = soul). It describes someone whose soul is too large to harbor small grudges or petty jealousies.
Word relationships
- big-hearted: Big-hearted is informal; magnanimous carries high moral dignity and historical weight.
- forgiving: Forgiving simply means pardoning a fault; magnanimous implies broadness of soul in doing so.
- petty: Petty means small-minded, obsessed with minor grievances or spite.
- vindictive: Vindictive means vengeful and obsessed with inflicting harm on past enemies.
Commonly confused with
- munificent: Magnanimous is greatness of spirit/forgiveness; munificent is lavishness with money/gifts.
Word family
- magnanimity (noun): Greatness of mind or soul; noble generosity in forgiving.
- magnanimously (adverb): In a noble, generous, or forgiving manner.
Collocations
- magnanimous gesture
- magnanimous in victory
- magnanimous offer
- magnanimous spirit
Example sentences
- "In victory, the champion was magnanimous, praising his opponent's skill and tenacity." Post-competition speech
- "Rather than seeking retribution, the newly elected leader made a magnanimous gesture of unity toward the opposition." Political leadership
Memory hook
MAGNificent ANIMUS (soul) = GREAT-SOULED forgiveness. GREAT SOUL in victory.
When not to use
Do not use for routine small favors; reserve it for moments requiring genuine moral grandeur and forgiveness.
Fun facts
- Winston Churchill famously summarized his wartime philosophy as: 'In War: Resolution. In Defeat: Defiance. In Victory: Magnanimity. In Peace: Goodwill.'
Related words
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