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. large; abundant; ample.

   a generous portion of pie.

   Synonyms: copious, plentiful
   Antonyms: meager

4. rich or strong in flavor.

   a generous wine.

5. fertile; prolific.

   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

Other Word Forms

• generously adverb
• generousness noun
• overgenerous adjective
• overgenerously adverb
• quasi-generous adjective
• quasi-generously adverb
• supergenerous adjective
• supergenerously adverb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of generous¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

The more generous argument made by Sir Keir's allies - he's been let down by two different people in two different ways, and has had to front up to clean up their different messes.

From BBC

She shares her fears that she might have occasionally failed her mother, but this confession is just another example of her generous humanity.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a reality that no single sword enthusiast, no matter how generous, can resolve.

From Salon

“One thing that really helps people break the ice is a lot of times people are really generous with their supplies,” Hansen said.

From Los Angeles Times

Becky said she urged the trustees to be generous when the redress scheme was being developed, and to consider the younger members who left with no support.

From BBC

Related Words

• acceptable 
• benevolent 
• big 
• charitable 
• considerate 
• fair 
• good 
• helpful 
• honest 
• hospitable 
• lavish 
• reasonable 
• thoughtful 
• tolerant 
• unselfish 
• willing