generosity

American  

[jen-uh-ros-i-tee] / ˌdʒɛn əˈrɒs ɪ ti /

noun

• generosities
  plural

1. readiness or liberality in giving.

   Synonyms:

   bountifulness, munificence

   Antonyms:

   stinginess

2. freedom from meanness or smallness of mind or character.

   Synonyms:

   magnanimity, nobleness

   Antonyms:

   pettiness

3. a generous act.

   We thanked him for his many generosities.

4. largeness or fullness; amplitude.

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generosity British  

/ ˌdʒɛnəˈrɒsɪtɪ /

noun

1. willingness and liberality in giving away one's money, time, etc; magnanimity

2. freedom from pettiness in character and mind

3. a generous act

4. abundance; plenty

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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

Derived Forms

• overgenerosity
  noun
• supergenerosity
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• generosities
  plural

Etymology

Origin of generosity

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English generosite, from Latin generōsitās, from generōs(us) generous + -itās -ity

Explanation

Generosity is a quality that's a lot like unselfishness. Someone showing generosity is happy to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need. Generosity is a quality — like honesty and patience — that we all probably wish we had more of. When you show generosity, you might give away things or money or put others before yourself. But generosity is about more than cash and stuff. When you're forgiving and gentle to people, you show generosity of spirit. If you give others help or credit, that shows generosity. The world would certainly be a better place if more people showed generosity to others.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

generosity generosities

“For you” might equate to learning a new skill or getting a gym membership, and “for good” is as expansive as your generosity allows.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

"His kindness and generosity touched countless lives, and everyone who knew him remembers his gentle spirit and willingness to help others," the write-up said.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026

“The mural was brought to life through the vision and generosity of many,” the temple said in a Facebook post.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

"Everyone who knew him speaks of his kindness, integrity and generosity," he added.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

Although he made use of his reputation for generosity in order to gain the papacy, Pope Julius II then decided not to maintain this reputation, in order to be able to wage war.

From "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli

These gestures and generosities were things only her friends could tell you about.

From New York Times ● Feb. 8, 2023

If you’ve got nothing left in reserve for even the smallest generosities — no judgment here, there’s been a lot of “… everything” — then start with micro-generosity to yourself.

From Washington Post ● Aug. 24, 2022

The small generosities, the willingness to listen, the empathy, lightening the mood with … let’s face it, some pretty silly jokes.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 28, 2021

In one of his more notable generosities back in Washington, he purchased copies of Joseph Mitchell’s Up in the Old Hotel for the entire staff.

From The New Yorker ● Feb. 13, 2015

So many of your wildly impulsive people repent them of their generosities as soon as the magnanimous fervour has cooled.

From The Belovéd Vagabond by William John Locke

Related Words

• goodness
• hospitality
• kindness
• largesse
• unselfishness