Magnanimous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /mag-ˈna-nə-məs/ mag·nan·i·mous

Meaning & Definition of Magnanimous

Magnanimous (adjective)

  1. showing or suggesting a generous and kind nature
  2. showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit

Magnanimous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having, characterized by, or arising from a dignified and generous nature

    "a magnanimous donation to the town's animal shelter"

    similar: big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, natural, noble, sublime
    related: ennobled, exalted, glorified, heroic, honorable, valiant, venerable, worthy, knightly, princely, regal, inspiring, moving, numinous, uplifting, august, magnificent, majestic
    opposite: base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble, low
    near: sordid, squalid, vile, wretched, abominable, contemptible, despicable, detestable, hateful, offensive, repulsive, ugly, vicious, dastardly, dirty, lousy, sorry, little, mean, narrow, small-minded, degrading, discreditable, humiliating, ignominious, coarse, crude, vulgar

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Magnanimous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Magnanimous:

big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, natural, noble, sublime

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Magnanimous

Words with the opposite meaning of Magnanimous:

base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble, low

Related Words for Magnanimous

ennobled, exalted, glorified, heroic, honorable, valiant, venerable, worthy, knightly, princely, regal, inspiring, moving, numinous, uplifting, august, magnificent, majestic

Near Antonyms of Magnanimous

sordid, squalid, vile, wretched, abominable, contemptible, despicable, detestable, hateful, offensive, repulsive, ugly, vicious, dastardly, dirty, lousy, sorry, little, mean, narrow, small-minded, degrading, discreditable, humiliating, ignominious, coarse, crude, vulgar

Word Forms of Magnanimous

Derived words: magnanimously (adverb), magnanimousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Magnanimous

Latin magnanimus, from magnus great + animus spirit much, animate

First known use: 1547

Frequently Asked Questions about Magnanimous

What does "Magnanimous" mean?

"Magnanimous" means showing or suggesting a generous and kind nature. As an adjective, it is defined as: showing or suggesting a generous and kind nature.

What is another word for "Magnanimous"?

Other words for "Magnanimous" include big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high and high-minded. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Magnanimous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Magnanimous"?

There are 31 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Magnanimous". Common alternatives include big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty and lordly.

What is the opposite of "Magnanimous"?

Antonyms of "Magnanimous" include base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble and low. Near antonyms include sordid, squalid, vile and wretched.

How do you use "Magnanimous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Magnanimous" in a sentence: "a magnanimous donation to the town's animal shelter".

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

"Magnanimous" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Magnanimous"?

"Magnanimous" is pronounced /mag-ˈna-nə-məs/ and divided into syllables as mag·nan·i·mous.

What is the origin of the word "Magnanimous"?

"Magnanimous" comes from Latin magnanimus, from magnus great + animus spirit much, animate. First known use: 1547.