English vocabulary · C1
Magnanimous
/mæɡˈnæn.ɪ.məs/ · adj.
It means generous and forgiving — especially toward someone who hurt you or lost to you. A magnanimous person is big-hearted even when they could be cruel.
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Example sentences
- The coach was magnanimous, praising the other team after the loss.
- She gave a magnanimous response to the person who had criticized her.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- magna — great (from Latin)
- anim — spirit (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- GENEROUS — willing to give a lot (Giving & Sharing)
- FORGIVING — willing to excuse a wrong (After a Wrong)
- GRACIOUS — kind and polite in manner (Tone & Manner)
Words with the same root
anim — spirit
- animate — to make something move or feel alive
- animal — a living creature with a spirit or life
- unanimous — when everyone agrees with one spirit
Lesson notes
Magnanimous. It means generous and forgiving — especially toward someone who has hurt you or lost to you. A magnanimous person is big-hearted even when they have the power to be cruel.
Similar words are generous, forgiving, and gracious. Use magnanimous when someone chooses kindness even after a win or a wrong.
The coach was magnanimous, praising the other team after the loss. She gave a magnanimous response to the person who had criticized her.
From Latin. Magna- means great. Anim- means spirit. A great spirit that forgives and gives freely — that is magnanimous.