What does magnanimity mean?
Magnanimity is a formal word for generosity of character, particularly the willingness to be gracious, forgiving, and generous toward someone who has opposed, disappointed, or wronged you. It is often used to describe a public figure or competitor who responds magnanimously to defeat by praising an opponent or refusing to retaliate. The word can also convey a broader sense of noble-mindedness and generosity, as in choosing to share resources or support a worthy cause. Its elevated tone makes it suitable for accounts of sportsmanship, diplomacy, and moral character. Although the word is sometimes treated as simply an elaborate synonym for generosity, its distinctive implication is largeness of spirit: magnanimity combines generosity with dignity, restraint, and the ability to overlook a personal slight.
nounGenerosity or nobility of spirit, especially willingness to forgive or overlook another person's wrongdoing. It can also refer broadly to a generous or benevolent disposition.
- Generosity or nobility of spirit, especially toward a person who has wronged or defeated one.
- A lofty or generous character; greatness of soul.
"In defeat, she showed remarkable magnanimity and praised her opponent's courage."
"The champion showed magnanimity toward the defeated finalist."
"Her magnanimity in distributing the prize money inspired the entire team."
The plural is possible but uncommon; the word is normally used in the singular or in the fixed phrase "acts of magnanimity."
"The two magnanimities were celebrated as examples of selfless public service."
Magnanimity is the rare name for the noble art of being generous even when you have every reason to feel resentful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magnanimity come from?
Magnanimity comes from the Latin magnanimitas, meaning greatness of soul or nobility of spirit. The underlying elements are magnus, “great,” and animus, “soul” or “mind.” The related English adjective magnanimous developed with the sense of noble or generous in spirit, while magnify and magnitude also reflect the Latin root magnus.
Related word forms
How magnanimity is actually used
The word is formal and relatively uncommon. It is especially associated with gracious conduct in adversity, rivalry, or conflict, and can sound deliberately elevated or ceremonious.
Easily confused with magnanimity
Generosity is the general quality of being willing to give or share, whereas magnanimity more specifically suggests noble, large-minded generosity, often in the context of conflict, defeat, or forgiveness.
Magnanimity means generosity or nobility of spirit, while magnitude means greatness of size, scale, or importance.