generosity
Americannoun
plural
generosities-
readiness or liberality in giving.
- Synonyms:
- bountifulness, munificence
- Antonyms:
- stinginess
-
freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character.
- Synonyms:
- magnanimity, nobleness
- Antonyms:
- pettiness
-
a generous act.
We thanked him for his many generosities.
-
largeness or fullness; amplitude.
noun
-
willingness and liberality in giving away one's money, time, etc; magnanimity
-
freedom from pettiness in character and mind
-
a generous act
-
abundance; plenty
Usage
What does generosity mean? Generosity is the spirit and action of freely and frequently giving to others.Generosity can also refer to an overall spirit of kindness, but this is less common.Example: If there’s one thing she will be remembered for, it’s her generosity—she was extremely generous with her money, her time, and her effort.
Other Word Forms
- overgenerosity noun
- supergenerosity noun
Etymology
Origin of generosity
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English generosite, from Latin generōsitās, from generōs(us) generous + -itās -ity
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite their insularity, Thompson’s works offer a reportorial curiosity of the world and a generosity toward working people.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
As Simon Elliott describes in his biography “The African Emperor,” Severus was a mercurial and contradictory character, capable by turns of savagery, cunning, wit and generosity, and always blessed with a sense of the theatrical.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026
Okrent highlights the emotional frailties that coexisted with the brilliance and generosity.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026
These small touches give the table a sense of generosity — and they quietly improve nearly everything they touch.
From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026
“That may be so,” Mr. Poe said, “and I thank Justice Strauss for her generosity, but your parents’ will is very specific.
From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
