Largesse — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /lär-ˈzhes/ lar·gesse

Meaning & Definition of Largesse

Largesse (noun)

  1. liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also, something so given
  2. generosity

Largesse (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something given to someone without expectation of a return

    "the alumna's huge bequest was an unexpected largess"

    similar: bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing (British), freebie, gift, giveaway, handsel, lagniappe, present, presentation
    related: alms, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, charity, contribution, dole, handout, oblation, offering, philanthropy, tithe, box (British), care package, foy (chiefly Scottish), grant, subsidy, remembrance, tribute, valentine, bonus, boon, windfall, courtesy, favor, generosity, sacrifice, gratuity, propine (Scottish), tip, award, prize, reward, dowry, bequest, legacy
    near: advance, loan, bribe, douceur, peace offering, sop

  2. the quality or state of being generous

    "the philanthropist was known for his largess to all of the city's cultural institutions"

    similar: bigheartedness, bountifulness, bounty, generosity, generousness, liberality, munificence, openhandedness, openheartedness, philanthropy, unselfishness
    related: beneficence, charity, kindliness, selflessness, kindness, gift, gratuity, lagniappe, tribute, extravagance, improvidence, lavishness, prodigality, wastefulness, spendthrift, dissipating, squandering
    opposite: cheapness, closeness, meanness, miserliness, parsimony, penuriousness, pinching, selfishness, stinginess, tightness, ungenerosity
    near: conserving, economizing, economy, frugality, husbandry, providence, scrimping, skimping, thrift, conservation, saving, husbanding, managing, scraping, cutting back

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Largesse

The most common words with a similar meaning to Largesse:

British: fairing
bestowal, comp, donation, donative, freebie, gift, giveaway, handsel, lagniappe, present, presentation, bigheartedness, bountifulness, bounty, generosity, generousness, liberality, munificence, openhandedness, openheartedness, philanthropy, unselfishness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Largesse

Words with the opposite meaning of Largesse:

cheapness, closeness, meanness, miserliness, parsimony, penuriousness, pinching, selfishness, stinginess, tightness, ungenerosity

Related Words for Largesse

alms, benefaction, beneficence, benevolence, charity, contribution, dole, handout, oblation, offering, tithe, box, care package, foy, grant, subsidy, remembrance, tribute, valentine, bonus, boon, windfall, courtesy, favor, sacrifice, gratuity, propine, tip, award, prize

Near Antonyms of Largesse

advance, loan, bribe, douceur, peace offering, sop, conserving, economizing, economy, frugality, husbandry, providence, scrimping, skimping, thrift, conservation, saving, husbanding, managing, scraping, cutting back

Origin & Etymology of Largesse

Middle English largesse, from Anglo-French, from large

First known use: 13th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Largesse

What does "Largesse" mean?

"Largesse" means liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also, something so given. As a noun, it is defined as: liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also, something so given. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Largesse"?

Other words for "Largesse" include bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing, freebie, gift and giveaway. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Largesse" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Largesse"?

There are 68 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Largesse". Common alternatives include bestowal, comp, donation, donative, fairing, freebie, gift, giveaway, handsel and lagniappe.

What is the opposite of "Largesse"?

Antonyms of "Largesse" include cheapness, closeness, meanness, miserliness, parsimony, penuriousness, pinching and selfishness. Near antonyms include advance, loan, bribe and douceur.

How do you use "Largesse" in a sentence?

Examples of "Largesse" in a sentence: "the alumna's huge bequest was an unexpected largess"; "the philanthropist was known for his largess to all of the city's cultural institutions".

Is "Largesse" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Largesse" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Largesse"?

"Largesse" is pronounced /lär-ˈzhes/ and divided into syllables as lar·gesse.

What is the origin of the word "Largesse"?

"Largesse" comes from Middle English largesse, from Anglo-French, from large. First known use: 13th century.