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View synonyms for generous

generous

[ jen-er-uhs ]

adjective

  1. liberal in giving or sharing; unselfish: a generous gift.

    a generous patron of the arts;

    a generous gift.

    Synonyms: free, openhanded

    Antonyms: selfish

  2. free from meanness or smallness of mind or character; magnanimous.

    Synonyms: big, noble, high-minded

    Antonyms: mean

  3. a generous portion of pie.

    Synonyms: copious, plentiful

    Antonyms: meager

  4. rich or strong in flavor:

    a generous wine.

  5. generous soil.

    Synonyms: fruitful

    Antonyms: barren



generous

/ ˈdʒɛnərəs; ˈdʒɛnrəs /

adjective

  1. willing and liberal in giving away one's money, time, etc; munificent
  2. free from pettiness in character and mind
  3. full or plentiful

    a generous portion

  4. (of wine) rich in alcohol
  5. (of a soil type) fertile
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • ˈgenerously, adverb
  • ˈgenerousness, noun
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Other Words From

  • gener·ous·ly adverb
  • gener·ous·ness noun
  • over·gener·ous adjective
  • over·gener·ous·ly adverb
  • quasi-gener·ous adjective
  • quasi-gener·ous·ly adverb
  • super·gener·ous adjective
  • super·gener·ous·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of generous1

First recorded in 1570–80; from Middle French genereux, genereus “magnanimous,” and Latin generōsus “of noble birth, excellent,” equivalent to gener- ( gender 2 ) + -ōsus -ous
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Word History and Origins

Origin of generous1

C16: via Old French from Latin generōsus nobly born, from genus race; see genus
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Synonym Study

Generous, charitable, liberal, bountiful, munificent all describe persons who give to others something of value, or the acts of such persons. Generous stresses the warm and sympathetic nature of the giver: a generous gift; generous in praise of the work of others. Charitable places stress on both the goodness and kindness of the giver and the indigence or need of the receiver: charitable assistance to people in need; a charitable person, always willing to help those less fortunate than herself. Liberal, in this connection, emphasizes the size of the gift, the largesse and openhandedness of the giver: a liberal contribution to the endowment fund. Bountiful implies effusive, unstinted giving and a sense of abundance or plenty: bountiful and unrestricted support for the museum; a bountiful return for his efforts. Munificent refers to gifts or awards so large and striking as to evoke amazement or admiration: a life income, a truly munificent reward for his loyalty; a munificent contribution, larger by far than any other.
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Example Sentences

Most of the television interviews he’s given as president have gone to Fox News or Fox Business, including a sprawling, generous one Tuesday morning.

I hurriedly filled a plastic container with wet dirt and leaves and added a generous helping of earthworms.

The episode didn’t dull Wall Street’s enthusiasm because investors can rely on TransDigm to send its profits back to shareholders through generous dividends and stock buybacks — nearly $600 million over the past five years.

This is one in a series presenting news on technology and innovation, made possible with generous support from the Lemelson Foundation.

In a series of experiments reported in 2013, researchers tested to see if dancing or chanting together made people feel more generous toward members of their group.

But equally as important, he was a great guy, and a kind and generous friend.

In the Senate, the Democrats passed the budget 56-40 with the generous aid of 24 Republicans.

Not because capitalists back then were more generous, but because it was the law.

For platinum, gold, or other more generous plans, the premiums (or amount you pay up front) will be more expensive.

To call them mediocre, uninspiring, and stale would be overly generous.

At sight of this generous enemy, this faithful friend, how could he restrain the grateful impulse to fling himself into his arms!

In their greeting there seemed a taunting note as though they knew they had no more to fear from me and could be generous.

On Louis thanking the minister for his generous interference, Sinzendorff took his hand.

In pursuance of his generous resolution, he communicated his designs to Allcraft.

As against the pain she inflicted, he had been generous, long-suffering— therefore his conduct was 'beautiful and precious.'

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generositygenerous to a fault