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MAGNANIMOUS
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Dictionary entry overview: What does magnanimous mean?
• MAGNANIMOUS (adjective)
The adjective MAGNANIMOUS has 2 senses:
1. noble and generous in spirit
2. generous and understanding and tolerant
Familiarity information: MAGNANIMOUS used as an adjective is rare.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Noble and generous in spirit
Synonyms:
greathearted; magnanimous
Context example:
a magnanimous conqueror
Similar:
noble (having or showing or indicative of high or elevated character)
Derivation:
magnanimousness (the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Generous and understanding and tolerant
Synonyms:
Context example:
magnanimous toward his enemies
Similar:
generous (not petty in character and mind)
Derivation:
magnanimity (liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit)
magnanimousness (the quality of elevation of mind and exaltation of character or ideals or conduct)
Context examples
"The reward of merit for a magnanimous March," as Laurie announced with a flourish.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
And as this, he added, after these magnanimous words, is not a fit scene for the boy—David, go to bed!
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
His majesty, who is a most magnanimous prince, was less daunted than I could expect: he ordered me to return it into the scabbard, and cast it on the ground as gently as I could, about six feet from the end of my chain.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
But, instead of proposals for conquering that magnanimous nation, I rather wish they were in a capacity, or disposition, to send a sufficient number of their inhabitants for civilizing Europe, by teaching us the first principles of honour, justice, truth, temperance, public spirit, fortitude, chastity, friendship, benevolence, and fidelity.
(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)
She looked at Tom, alarmed now, but he insisted with magnanimous scorn.
(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone." (Native American proverb, Seneca)
"There is no evil without goodness." (Armenian proverb)
"The one you love you punish." (Danish proverb)