Definition of MAGNANIMOUS (original) (raw)
1
: showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit
the irreproachable lives and magnanimous sufferings of their followers—
Joseph Addison
2
: showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind
too sincere for dissimulation, too magnanimous for resentment—Ellen Glasgow
Did you know?
When you see anima, animus, or a similar formation in a word, it’s often an indicator of something alive, lively, or spirited. Something described as animated is full of life, for example, and the word animal refers to a living thing. The Latin word anima means “breath” or “soul” and animus means “spirit.” In magnanimous, animus is joined by the Latin word magnus, meaning “great.” Basically meaning “greatness of spirit,” magnanimity is the opposite of selfishness. A truly magnanimous person can lose without complaining and win without gloating, and angry disputes can sometimes be resolved when one side makes a magnanimous gesture toward the other.
Synonyms
Examples of magnanimous in a Sentence
"No problem," I dismissed his concerns with a magnanimous flick of the wrist. —Tom Perrotta, Joe College, 2000 … and many of them retain a respectful Eisenhower-or-Kennedy-era view of America as Japan's usually magnanimous elder brother. —James Fallows, Atlantic, August 1989 … with the off-duty cops downing them as fast as he could pour, Leery could afford to be magnanimous and play the jukebox for the boys and girls. —Joseph Wambaugh, The Delta Star, 1983 Levesque was magnanimous in victory, immediately reassuring English-speaking Quebecers that they were still welcome in the province, an integral part of its history. —Mordecai Richler, Atlantic, June 1983
She was too magnanimous to resent all the things others had said to her. a magnanimous donation to the town's animal shelter
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Paula was such a magnanimous and spectacular personality, and so warm and kind. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 11 Dec. 2024 The big brother was magnanimous, always including Jim in games with his friends. —Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024 Spreading the hosting love around is a magnanimous act. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2024 Finally, Rogers urged an approach to politics that was critical yet charitable, principled yet magnanimous. —Steven Watts, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for magnanimous 
Word History
Etymology
Latin magnanimus, from magnus great + animus spirit — more at much, animate
First Known Use
1547, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of magnanimous was in 1547
Dictionary Entries Near magnanimous
Cite this Entry
“Magnanimous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnanimous. Accessed 31 Dec. 2024.
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Last Updated: 20 Dec 2024 - Updated example sentences
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