magnanimity
[mag-nuh-nim-i-tee]
- the quality of being magnanimous.
- a magnanimous act.
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Origin of magnanimity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for magnanimity
Contemporary Examples
Yet, sadly, neither talent nor ambition cultivates prudence, wisdom, love, or magnanimity.
In this imagined West Bank, anything the Palestinians “get” will be a reflection of Israeli magnanimity, not Palestinian rights.
Historical Examples
They have claims on the magnanimity and, I may add, on the justice of this nation which we must all feel.
The state's magnanimity to those offenders whom it would be too expensive to punish.
The Devil's DictionaryAmbrose Bierce
His mind was fraught with independence, magnanimity, and every manly virtue.
The Letters of Robert BurnsRobert Burns
But Olivia has such candour and magnanimity, that I must admire her!
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
With what generosity, with what magnanimity she speaks of Olivia in those letters!
Tales And Novels, Volume 8 (of 10)Maria Edgeworth
magnanimity
- generosity
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Word Origin
C14: via Old French from Latin magnanimitās, from magnus great + animus soul
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
Word Origin and History for magnanimity
n.
mid-14c., "loftiness of thought or purpose," from Old French magnanimité "high-mindedness, generosity of spirit," from Latin magnanimitatem (nominative magnanimitas) "greatness of soul, high-mindedness," from magnanimus "having a great soul," from magnus "great" (see magnate) + animus "mind, soul, spirit" (see animus). Probably a loan-translation of Greek megalopsykhos "high-souled, generous" (Aristotle) or megathymus "great-hearted."
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper