Magnanimous
/ˌmæɡnəˈnɪməs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Magnanimous describes a person who is very generous and forgiving, especially toward someone who might have hurt them or is less powerful. It means having a noble and kind spirit, often choosing to be good rather than angry or mean.
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See It in Action
Showing great generosity or forgiveness, especially after conflict
- •She was magnanimous in victory, praising her opponent warmly.
- •Even after the argument, he was magnanimous and offered his friend help.
- •The magnanimous leader forgave the mistakes of his team.
Having a noble and generous spirit, not petty or selfish
- •His magnanimous nature made him loved by many.
- •Being magnanimous means thinking bigger than your own problems.
- •They admired her magnanimous attitude during difficult times.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "magnanimous" like "kind," but much bigger and stronger—like a giant heart that can forgive big mistakes
- ✓Picture a king or queen who forgives their enemies instead of punishing them, showing great kindness
- ✓It’s the feeling when you decide not to be angry even if someone upset you, and instead you act with grace and generosity
- ✓Sounds like "MAG-na-NIM-us" → Imagine a MAGnet pulling in good feelings and NIMble (quick) kindness to others
- ✓Remember stories where heroes forgive villains or help those who hurt them, showing true greatness of spirit
- ✓NOT like "mean" or "small" (small-hearted), magnanimous means having a large, generous heart
- ✓NOT like "just kind" (which can be small acts), magnanimous is a big, noble kindness often after conflict or difficulty
Try Other Words
- •Generous: willing to give or forgive easily (Use when the kindness is simple and everyday)
- •Forgiving: ready to stop feeling angry or hurt (Use when focusing on stopping anger after a problem)
- •Noble: having high moral qualities (Use when emphasizing honor and greatness of spirit)
- •Big-hearted: very kind and caring (Use in informal speech to show warm kindness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "magna-" (Latin for "great" or "large") + "animous" (from Latin "animus" meaning "spirit" or "mind")
- •Etymology: From Latin "magnanimus," meaning "great-souled" or "great in spirit"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1500s in English to describe someone with a noble and generous spirit
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people who act with generosity and forgiveness, especially after conflict or when they could be angry
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when it was hard to be magnanimous? What helped you act kindly instead of angrily?
•How does being magnanimous change the way people see you and your relationships?
Fill in the blanks
1.After winning the competition, she was magnanimous and ___ her opponent’s efforts with respect.
2.Being magnanimous often means ___ anger and choosing kindness instead.
3.Unlike being petty, magnanimous people focus on ___ the bigger picture and forgiveness.
4.When someone hurts you, being magnanimous means you ___ to forgive rather than seek revenge.
5.Leaders who are magnanimous usually ___ respect and loyalty from their followers.
6.Magnanimous actions often happen ___ difficult or unfair situations.
7.You can show you are magnanimous by ___ others even when they have made mistakes.