magnanimous
gb/mæɡnˈænəməs/ us/mæɡnˈænəməs/
C1
English
nagyvonalú, nagylelkű, bőkezű
C1
FORMAL
1
nagyvonalú
B2
nagylelkű
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is magnanimous (to/toward [someone]) (about [something])
She was magnanimous in defeat and congratulated her opponent warmly.
A vereség után nagyvonalú volt, és szívélyesen gratulált az ellenfelének.
It was magnanimous of him to apologize publicly and move on.
Nagylelkű dolog volt tőle, hogy nyilvánosan bocsánatot kért, majd továbblépett.
After the argument, she took a magnanimous approach and offered to start over.
Learner examples
He was magnanimous and forgave her.
Nagylelkű volt, és megbocsátott neki.
She tried to be magnanimous after she won.
A győzelme után próbált nagyvonalú lenni.
Common mistake:
Often confused with words like "magnificent" (meaning very impressive). "Magnanimous" is about character (generous/forgiving), not appearance.
Meaning
generous and forgiving to others
Collocations
magnanimous gesture
|magnanimous offer
|magnanimous apology
|magnanimous response
|magnanimous attitude
|magnanimous decision
|magnanimous treatment
|a magnanimous leader
|be magnanimous
|remain magnanimous
Synonyms
gracious (Emphasizes polite kindness and good manners, especially after success.)
|
generous (Broader; can mean giving or kind in general, not necessarily after conflict.)
|
big-hearted (More informal; stresses warmth and kindness.)
|
forgiving (Focuses on letting go of anger rather than generosity.)
Antonyms
petty (Opposite of noble-minded; small and resentful about minor issues.)
|
vindictive (Wanting revenge instead of forgiving.)
|
mean (Ungenerous or unkind in attitude or behavior.)
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|conflict
|ethics
Definition
kind and forgiving, even when you could be angry
Generous and forgiving, especially toward someone you have defeated, disagreed with, or who has treated you unfairly.
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
a magnanimous [gift/act/donation/offer]
The foundation made a magnanimous donation to the local hospital.
Az alapítvány bőkezű adománnyal támogatta a helyi kórházat.
She gave a magnanimous amount of credit to her team for the project’s success.
A projekt sikeréért bőkezűen ismerte el a csapata érdemeit.
His magnanimous offer of help surprised everyone.
Learner examples
She made a magnanimous donation.
Bőkezű adományt adott.
He was magnanimous with his time.
Nagylelkűen szánt időt másokra.
Common mistake:
In everyday talk, people more often say "generous"; "magnanimous" can sound formal or elevated.
Meaning
very generous; willing to give
Collocations
magnanimous gift
|magnanimous donation
|magnanimous contribution
|magnanimous support
|magnanimous assistance
|magnanimous praise
|magnanimous offer
|magnanimous act
Synonyms
generous (The most common everyday word for this idea.)
|
openhanded (Emphasizes giving freely, especially money or help.)
|
munificent (More literary/formal; suggests very large generosity.)
Antonyms
stingy (Unwilling to give or share.)
|
tightfisted (Informal; especially unwilling to spend money.)
|
selfish (Focused on one’s own needs rather than giving.)
Themes
social_life
|ethics
|money
Definition
very generous in what you give or do
Very generous in giving help, money, or praise; not narrow or selfish.
Grammar
Dictionary form
magnanimous
IPA
GB/mæɡnˈænəməs/
US/mæɡnˈænəməs/
Syllables & stress
mag - nan - im - ous (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (nan)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: magnanimous
Word family
Core family
magnanimity
noun C1
magnanimously
adverb C1
Negative and opposite forms
petty
adjective B2
Expressions
magnanimous in defeat
1/mæɡnˈænəməs ˈɪn dɪfˈit/
fixed phrase
formal
gracious after you lose
stay kind and calm after you lose
Examples
- He was magnanimous in defeat and congratulated the winner immediately.
- The team promised to be magnanimous in defeat and learn from the loss.
- She remained magnanimous in defeat, thanking her supporters and her opponent.
Learner examples
- He was magnanimous in defeat.
- Try to be magnanimous in defeat.
magnanimous in victory
1/mæɡnˈænəməs ˈɪn vˈɪktɚi/
fixed phrase
formal
gracious after you win
be kind and respectful after you win
Examples
- The coach urged the players to be magnanimous in victory and shake hands with the other team.
- She was magnanimous in victory, praising her rival’s performance in the interview.
- He tried to be magnanimous in victory, but his smile looked forced.
Learner examples
- Be magnanimous in victory.
- She was magnanimous in victory and thanked her opponent.