magnanimous (2009-04-04)

Part of Speech: adjective

Pronunciation: [mæg-'næ-nê-mês]

Definition: Showing or suggesting a lofty spirit, generosity, and nobility of mind; especially, refusing to feel vengeful or resentful

Usage: Household uses of this word (should) abound: "I'm not magnanimously forgiving you for mowing down my daffodils; I need to borrow your pick-up truck tomorrow." Hopefully, you will find moments to use this word seriously, "Although the boys severely spray-painted his car, Rory asked the judge to sentence them to community service—an act of magnanimity that saved their future."

Suggested Usage: Truly, this word captures the capacity to forgive and forget. While most of us are not magnanimous in every situation—and we could debate whether or not every situation deserves magnanimity —we can but try. "Magnanimity" [mæg-nê-'ni-mê-tee], by the way, is the noun referring to the quality of being magnanimous or to a magnanimous act.

Etymology: Directly from Latin "magnanimus:" magnus "great" + animus "soul, mind" (see also the recent Word of the Day "equanimity" in our archives). Other words deriving from "magnus" are "magnate," "magnificent," "magnify," "majesty." Akin to "mayor" and "major." The underlying root *meg- also gave English "much" and the prefix from Greek megas "great" found in "megabar," "megabyte," and "megaphone." In Sanskrit the same root emerged as maha "great, large" found in maharajah "great rajah," maharishi "great seer, sage," and mahatma "great life, spirit."