Largesse
/lɑrˈʒɛs/
nounC1
Definition
Largesse is when a person gives something valuable like money or gifts to others in a very generous and kind way. It usually comes from someone who has a lot and shares freely without expecting anything back.
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See It in Action
Generous giving of money or gifts, especially by wealthy people
- •The billionaire's largesse helped build new schools in the town.
- •The charity dinner was supported by the largesse of many donors.
- •His largesse during the holidays made many families happy.
The money or gifts given generously
- •The largesse from the foundation funded the art museum.
- •They thanked the king for his largesse after the festival.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "largesse" like "gift," but much bigger and more generous—like a rich person giving a lot, not just a small present.
- ✓Picture a king or a rich person throwing coins to people in a crowd, sharing wealth happily.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when someone helps many people with big kindness and no limits.
- ✓Sounds like "large-ess" → imagine a very LARGE gift or gift-giving that feels important and big.
- ✓Think of stories where a generous ruler shares treasure with their people to help them.
- ✓NOT like "tip" (small money given for service), largesse is much bigger and more generous.
- ✓NOT like "charity" (help for poor), largesse focuses on the generous giving itself, often by the rich.
- ✓NOT like "gift" (can be small or personal), largesse is large and often public or formal.
Try Other Words
- •Generosity: quality of being kind and giving (Use when focusing on the kind behavior, not just the gift itself)
- •Donation: something given to help others (Use when the giving is for charity or a cause)
- •Gift: something given to someone without payment (Use for smaller or personal presents)
- •Charity: help given to poor people (Use when the giving is specifically for helping those in need)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "largesse" comes as a whole noun
- •Etymology: From Old French "largesse," meaning generosity or liberality
- •Historical development: Used since the 14th century in English to describe noble or rich giving
- •Modern usage: Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe large, generous gifts or donations
- •Interesting fact: The word sounds elegant and is often used to show respect for the giver’s kindness
Reflect & Connect
•How does largesse affect the relationship between the giver and the receiver?
•Can largesse ever have negative effects, like making people dependent or expecting more?
Fill in the blanks
1.The millionaire’s largesse ___ many new jobs in the community by funding local businesses.
2.People appreciated the largesse ___ the wealthy donor during the festival season.
3.Unlike a small gift, largesse usually involves ___ amounts of money or valuable items.
4.The king’s largesse was famous because he gave ___ without asking for anything in return.
5.Largesse often comes ___ people who have great wealth or power.
6.When someone shows largesse, they are usually ___ to help many people, not just one person.
7.The charity event depended on the largesse ___ several generous sponsors.