generosity

[ jen-uh-ros-i-tee ]

noun

, plural gen·er·os·i·ties.

1. readiness or liberality in giving.

   Synonyms: bountifulness, munificence

   Antonyms: stinginess

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

   Synonyms: nobleness, magnanimity

   Antonyms: pettiness

3. a generous act:

   We thanked him for his many generosities.

4. largeness or fullness; amplitude.

generosity

/ 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

Other Words From

• over·gener·osi·ty noun
• super·gener·osi·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of generosity¹

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

Example Sentences

Giridharadas’s message at the time was largely that the generosity of the global elite is somewhat laughable — that many of the same players who say they want to help society are creating its most intractable problems.

From TechCrunch

“Even brief experiences of awe yield a host of benefits including an expanded sense of time and enhanced feelings of generosity, well-being, and humility,” the paper notes.

From Popular-Science

The deal’s terms were a red flag for some analysts, and not just because of its generosity to GM.

From Fortune

Boerner Horvath has also, once again, benefited from the generosity of colleagues facing less competitive races.

From Voice of San Diego

To understand the seeming generosity of the elder birds, Ducouret and her team observed 27 broods of barn owls across the Switzerland countryside.

From Science News

This is comedy based on a cold humor, detached, euphemistic, devoid of any generosity.

From The Daily Beast

So Pope Francis has found a way to turn the generosity of others into good luck for a few.

From The Daily Beast

So not only were they anti-Clinton, but they were anti-American small business and anti-generosity!

From The Daily Beast

I was, in fact, one of the lucky recipients of the inexhaustible generosity documented in the film.

From The Daily Beast

His reckless, open-hearted generosity eventually caught up with him.

From The Daily Beast

He come July six, for don't you mind how they called him Cevery out of pity and generosity for the Spayniards?

From Project Gutenberg

His unbounded generosity won for him the admiration of all his race, who graciously recognized him as their Maguinoó.

From Project Gutenberg

Stanhope subscribed to the reasonableness of the Duke's first impressions, as the immediate effect of such supposed generosity.

From Project Gutenberg

As in the old days of the Rusholme Road, Batterby flung his money about with unostentatious generosity.

From Project Gutenberg

Altogether an odd and difficult character, but with a generosity and high courage that made her very lovable.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• goodness
• hospitality
• kindness
• largesse
• unselfishness

More About Generosity

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.

Where does generosity come from?

The first records of generosity in English come from around the 1400s. Generosity is the noun form of the adjective generous (which is actually recorded later). The suffix -ity is used to make it into a noun. Both generosity and generous derive from the Latin generōsus, meaning “generous” or “of noble birth” (gentle, as in gentleman, is based on a similar root.)

Prior to the 1600s, generosity was mostly used to refer to the status of being a noble or aristocrat. From there, the meaning changed to refer to the kind of noble qualities that aristocrats were supposed to have, such as being fair-minded and above pettiness. This meaning is still used, but generosity now most commonly refers to the tendency to be generous in giving to others. Generosity is most often associated with giving money, but it can involve many things, including time, gifts, or other resources. Many religions regard generosity as a virtue. In that context, generosity is sometimes distinguished from charity in this way: generosity is the willingness to give no matter the situation, while charity is most often associated with giving to people who are poor or otherwise in need.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to generosity?

• overgenerosity (noun)
• supergenerosity (noun)
• generous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for generosity?

• generousness
• magnanimity

What are some words that share a root or word element with generosity? 

• gentle
• genealogy

What are some words that often get used in discussing generosity?

• gift 
• giving
• donation
• charity
• virtue
• liberality
• hospitality 
• largess

How is generosity used in real life?

Many people associate generosity with giving money, but there are many ways to be generous.

I love NYE when I reflect on successes/failures and then re-center my heart and mind. 2015 mantra: abundance, gratitude, generosity. Repeat.

— Dana Perino (@DanaPerino) December 31, 2014

Generosity is what keeps the things you own from owning you. In other words, generosity isn't just to help others, it also liberates you.

— Jeff Gramlich (@JeffGramlich) December 31, 2014

It’s impressive to see the amount of #Binghamton restaurants stepping up to provide lunches for kids due to school closures. Thank you for your generosity to those in need during this unpredictable time.

— Toby Rice (@tobydrice) March 15, 2020

 

 

Try using generosity!

Which of the following things can be given to exhibit generosity?

A. money
B. time
C. resources
D. all of the above