Largess
/lɑːrˈdʒɛs/
nounC2
Definition
Largess is when a person gives money, gifts, or help in a very generous and kind way, usually without expecting anything back. It often refers to big or important gifts, especially from someone who has a lot of wealth or power.
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See It in Action
Generous giving of money or gifts, especially by a wealthy person
- •The billionaire's largess helped build a new hospital.
- •The queen was known for her largess to the poor.
- •His largess during the festival brought joy to many families.
The act of being very generous or kind in giving
- •The charity thanked the donors for their largess.
- •Largess is admired in leaders who support their communities.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'largess' like 'gift,' but much bigger and more generous—like a rich person giving many gifts to help others
- ✓Picture a king or queen giving gold coins or presents to their people during a festival
- ✓It's the warm feeling when someone shares a lot of good things without asking for anything in return
- ✓Sounds like 'large-ess' → imagine a very LARGE gift being given with kindness
- ✓Remember stories where a wealthy person helps many people with big presents or money, like a fairy godmother or a generous boss
- ✓NOT like 'gift' (can be small or personal), largess is large and comes from generosity and power
- ✓NOT like 'charity' (help given to poor people specifically), largess can be any generous giving, often formal or public
- ✓NOT like 'bribe' (giving to get something bad or secret), largess is freely given without hidden reasons
Try Other Words
- •Generosity: kindness in giving (Use when the giving is kind but not necessarily large or formal)
- •Gift: something given to someone (Use when the focus is on the object, not the act of giving)
- •Donation: money or goods given to help (Use especially in charity or formal help situations)
- •Bounty: large amount given freely (Use in poetic or old-fashioned contexts, similar to largess)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "larg-" (related to large, big) + suffix "-ess" (noun form)
- •Etymology: From Old French "largesse," meaning generosity or liberality
- •Historical development: Used since Middle Ages to describe noble or royal generosity in giving gifts or money
- •Modern usage: Still used in formal or literary contexts to describe large, generous gifts or donations
- •Key insight: Focuses on the kindness and size of the gift, often from someone with wealth or power
Reflect & Connect
•How does largess influence relationships between rich and poor in stories or real life?
•Can largess be seen as a way to show power or kindness? How do these two ideas connect?
Fill in the blanks
1.The king’s largess was ___ by the villagers because it helped ___ their lives.
2.Largess usually comes from someone who has ___ wealth or power.
3.Unlike a small gift, largess is a ___ and generous giving.
4.People often remember largess when it is given ___, without expecting anything back.
5.The charity thanked the donors for their ___ during the difficult year.
6.Largess is different from a bribe because it is given ___, not to get something secret.
7.When a leader shows largess, it can ___ respect and loyalty from the community.