magnanimous
mag-NAN-i-mus
/mæɡˈnænɪməs/
Generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
Implies noble high-mindedness that refuses to engage in petty squabbles, grudges, or spite.
The story behind the word. Directly translated from Latin 'magnanimus' (great-souled), which was the Latin rendering of Aristotle's Greek concept 'megalopsychia'. In classical ethics, it was considered the crown of all moral virtues.
Word relationships
- generous: Generous refers to sharing resources; magnanimous refers to nobility of spirit and forgiving rivals.
- magnanimous: N/A
- petty: Focused on trivial grudges and small grievances.
- vindictive: Driven by a desire for revenge.
Commonly confused with
- magnificent: Magnificent means grand or splendid in appearance; magnanimous means noble and forgiving in spirit.
Word family
- magnanimity (noun): The quality of being noble and forgiving.
- magnanimously (adverb): In a noble, forgiving manner.
Collocations
- magnanimous gesture
- magnanimous victor
- magnanimous offer
- be magnanimous in victory
Idioms & expressions
- take the high road
- big-hearted
Example sentences
- "In victory, the elected candidate was magnanimous, praising her opponent's campaign and offering him an advisory role." Political victory
- "He was magnanimous in victory and courteous in defeat." Historical speech
Memory hook
MAGNificent ANIMUS (soul) = GREAT SOUL that forgives. Great soul above petty grudges.
When not to use
Do not use merely to describe spending money generously; use 'generous' or 'lavish' instead unless noble spirit is involved.
Fun facts
- Aristotle defined the 'magnanimous man' as one who claims great honors for himself because he truly deserves them, yet remains unaffected by petty insults.
Related words
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