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magnanimous Definition

mag·nani·mous (mag nanə məs)

adjective

noble in mind; high-souled; esp., generous in overlooking injury or insult; rising above pettiness or meanness

Etymology: L magnanimus < magnus, great (see magni-) + animus, mind, soul (see animal)

magnanimous Related Forms

mag·nani·mously adverb

magnanimous Synonyms

magnanimous

modif.

high-minded, unselfish, great-hearted; see generous 2, kind 1, noble 1, 2.

magnanimous Usage Examples

Used with adjective complement

feel: However, I am feeling particularly magnanimous this morning, so I shall not harangue the Minister; he is a jolly fine chap.

Modifies a noun

  • gesture: Free attendance was a magnanimous gesture from John Wade, on whose land the meeting is based.
  • man: For the magnanimous man strives to practice virtue in the highest possible degree in order to be honored by God.
  • resolution: A magnanimous resolution, a courageous decision, radiated a beam of light.
  • person: You relate easily to people because when everything is said and done, you are a very magnanimous person.
  • behavior: While we abhor the degradation of these unfortunates, their magnanimous behavior during these fearful days has drawn forth our sympathy and gratitude.
  • mood: Thought maybe I'd catch you in a magnanimous mood.

Modifying Another Word

  • very: I leave the choice of weapons with you, for I am very magnanimous.
  • so: We love You and we thank You for being the generous One that You are, so magnanimous.
  • particularly: However, I am feeling particularly magnanimous this morning, so I shall not harangue the Minister; he is a jolly fine chap.
  • too: OK he's not the greatest batsman around, he's an inconsistent bowler, and he's not too magnanimous in victory.

Preposition: in

  • victory: Four teams competed, with obvious commitment, with the winning team being magnanimous in victory by sharing the prize ( wine ).
  • defeat: Morris was magnanimous in defeat; I guess what goes around comes around but that's pool.