magnanimity
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of magnanimity
1300–50; Middle English magnanimite < Latin magnanimitās. See magnanimous, -ity
Explanation
Magnanimous behavior is noble, generous, or unselfish, and to exhibit magnanimity is to be this way. He showed great magnanimity in not pressing charges when I drove his car into the pond. "Accidents happen my friend," he said, and patted me on the back. In Latin, magnus means "great": a magnate is a great man; a magnum is a great big bottle of champagne. Magnanimity is the generous greatness of spirit. When you are being the bigger person, you are behaving with magnanimity. "The supermodel grabbed the magnum of champagne, lifted it to her mouth and drained the bottle. With great magnanimity, her host smiled and offered her another."
Vocabulary lists containing magnanimity
The Declaration of Independence
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Speak Your Mind: Anim
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Brave New World
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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.
Out of magnanimity, I’ll liken this trifle to a Rothko.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026
He dealt with the disappointment with magnanimity and played on.
From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026
In his ambition, Anderson advocates for movement and magnanimity over sitting and spewing, hooking his audience until the journey’s thrilling end, suggesting that the story’s conclusion might just be a brand new start.
From Salon • Sep. 28, 2025
In times of true crisis, magnanimity is the privilege of those happy collaborators who are secure in the belief that they will be OK no matter what.
From Slate • Nov. 6, 2024
“Shall I rush into town and demand one?” asked Jo, with the magnanimity of a martyr.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
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.
