magnanimous
What does "magnanimous" mean?
The word "magnanimous" describes someone who is generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful than themselves. The mental image is of a person standing tall and looking down with kindness rather than petty resentment, essentially having a "great soul" (from the Latin *magnus* meaning great and *animus* meaning soul). It is used primarily in formal contexts to describe noble character. It is most commonly paired with acts of forgiveness or self-sacrifice. You would use it to praise someone who chooses to be kind when they could have easily been vengeful or critical.
"magnanimous" in conversation
Discussing a work dispute
I can't believe he apologized after what he did to your project.
I can't believe he apologized after what he did to your project.
He did, and honestly, I've decided to be magnanimous and let it go.
He did, and honestly, I've decided to be magnanimous and let it go.
Used here to show choosing peace over holding a grudge.
Debriefing a competition
Even though they lost, the team was incredibly magnanimous in defeat.
Even though they lost, the team was incredibly magnanimous in defeat.
They shook our hands and congratulated us immediately.
They shook our hands and congratulated us immediately.
Highlights graceful behavior in a competitive setting.
"magnanimous" in a sentence
She was magnanimous in victory.
She was magnanimous in victory.
It was a magnanimous gesture to forgive those who had betrayed him.
It was a magnanimous gesture to forgive those who had betrayed him.
Despite the harsh criticism he received, he remained magnanimous, refusing to speak ill of his detractors.
Despite the harsh criticism he received, he remained magnanimous, refusing to speak ill of his detractors.
