What does magnanimously mean?
Magnanimously means in a generous, noble, or forgiving manner. It describes conduct that is bigger than the situation and more concerned with fairness or goodwill than with self-interest, revenge, or personal advantage. Someone who acts magnanimously might decline to claim credit, relinquish a disputed advantage, forgive an offense, or make a generous contribution. The word is often used for actions that could plausibly have been petty or vindictive, so it implicitly praises the restraint and generosity of the person involved. Although magnanimous is its more common adjectival counterpart, magnanimously is the appropriate form when it modifies a verb or describes the manner of an action. Its tone is formal and approving, making it especially useful in descriptions of public conduct, negotiations, diplomacy, and sportsmanship.
adverbIn a generous, forgiving, or noble-minded manner, especially when one could reasonably respond with resentment or self-interest.
- Generously or generously and honorably, especially in refusing to exploit a disadvantage or to retaliate.
"After the dispute, she magnanimously allowed her rival to share the award."
"The manager magnanimously declined to attribute the success to herself alone."
"In a magnanimous gesture, the foundation matched the donation made by the winner."
To be magnanimous is to be generous enough to make victory feel smaller than the person who has won it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does magnanimously come from?
Magnanimously is the adverb formed from magnanimous and magnanimity. These words derive from the Latin magnanimus, a compound of magnus, meaning “great,” and animus, meaning “spirit” or “courage.” The adjective entered English during the early modern period through French, and its development preserved the idea of a great or noble spirit.
Related word forms
How magnanimously is actually used
The word has a formal, elevated register and suggests generosity of spirit, fairness, or a willingness to forgo a claim. It is especially appropriate when describing a decision or action that could have been vindictive, mean, or self-serving.
Easily confused with magnanimously
Magnanimous is the adjective describing a generous or noble person or action, while magnanimously is the adverb describing how such a person or action is carried out.