Munificent
/mjuːˈnɪfəsənt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Munificent describes someone or something that gives a large amount of help, money, or gifts freely and kindly. It is stronger than just being generous; it means giving in a very big and kind way.
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See It in Action
Very generous in giving money or gifts
- •The munificent donor gave millions to the charity.
- •She received a munificent scholarship for her studies.
- •The foundation made a munificent gift to build the new library.
Showing great generosity or kindness
- •His munificent spirit helped many people in need.
- •The munificent host welcomed all guests with open arms.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "munificent" like "generous" (A2 word), but MUCH bigger and more impressive than normal generosity.
- ✓Picture a person giving a huge gift box full of presents, not just one small gift.
- ✓It's the warm feeling when someone helps you a lot without asking for anything back.
- ✓Sounds like "many-fish-ent" → Imagine someone giving so much that it feels like giving many fishes to feed everyone.
- ✓Think of stories where kings or rich people give great treasures to others out of kindness.
- ✓NOT like "cheap" or "stingy" (not giving much), munificent means giving freely and in large amounts.
- ✓NOT like "kind" (friendly but small help), munificent means very large and generous help.
- ✓NOT like "average generous" (small gifts or help), munificent is rare and very large giving.
Try Other Words
- •Lavish: giving or using a lot, sometimes more than needed (Use when the giving is very rich or fancy)
- •Bountiful: giving a lot and plenty (Use when emphasizing a large quantity of gifts or help)
- •Charitable: kind and giving to help others (Use when focusing on kindness and help, not only size of gift)
Unboxing
- •Prefix: "muni-" from Latin "munus" meaning "gift" or "service"
- •Root: related to giving or duty
- •Suffix: "-ficent" from Latin "facere" meaning "to do" or "make"
- •Etymology: From Latin "munificentia" meaning "generosity, liberality"
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe noble, large giving or generosity
- •Modern usage: Often used in formal writing to describe very large or noble gifts or generosity
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when someone was munificent to you or others? How did it feel?
•How is munificent different from just being kind or helpful in everyday life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The munificent donor gave ___ money to help build the hospital ___ the community.
2.Her munificent gift was ___ than anyone expected, showing great ___.
3.Unlike small presents, a munificent donation often ___ a big change in people's lives.
4.When someone is munificent, they usually ___ their gifts without expecting ___.
5.The charity thanked the munificent supporter for their ___ kindness and generosity.
6.A munificent person is not just kind but also ___ in what they give.
7.Munificent giving can inspire others to ___ and share more with those in need.