generously
gb/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/ us/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in a kind, giving way
in a way that shows you like to give and help
Usage pattern:
[someone] give/donate/help [someone] generously; [do something] generously
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse generously (how someone gives) with generous (describing a person or amount).
Synonyms
charitably (Emphasizes helping those in need.)
|
openhandedly (Emphasizes giving freely, especially money.)
Antonyms
stingily (Giving very little or unwillingly.)
Collocations
give generously
|donate generously
|contribute generously
|support generously
|give of your time generously
|share generously
|offer generously
|help generously
|tip generously
|give generously to charity
Themes
emotions
|social
|charity
|daily_life
Examples
- Local businesses donated generously to the food bank.
- She thanked everyone who had given generously to the appeal.
- He always gives generously with his time when friends need help.
Learner examples
- People gave generously after the storm.
- She donates generously every year.
adverb
B2
quantity
2
in a large amount
using a lot of something
Usage pattern:
[do something] generously (with [substance])
Common mistake:
Generously here means “a lot,” not necessarily “kind.”
Synonyms
liberally (Common in instructions (e.g., cooking, skincare).)
|
abundantly (Suggests a very large quantity, sometimes more formal.)
Antonyms
sparingly (Using only a small amount.)
Collocations
apply generously
|spread generously
|season generously
|butter generously
|oil generously
|sprinkle generously
|dust generously
|coat generously
|pour generously
|serve generously
Themes
food
|daily_life
|home
Examples
- Spread the icing generously over the cake.
- He buttered the toast generously.
- The sauce was generously seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Learner examples
- Add salt generously.
- She poured the sauce generously.
adverb
C1
property
3
in a lenient, favorable way
judging in a kind way, not strict
Usage pattern:
judge/mark/interpret/read [something] generously
Common mistake:
This does not mean giving money; it means being kind in your judgment.
Synonyms
leniently (Focuses on being less strict about rules or mistakes.)
|
charitably (Focuses on interpreting someone’s actions or words in the best possible way.)
Antonyms
strictly (Applying rules closely and allowing few exceptions.)
Collocations
interpret generously
|judge generously
|mark generously
|grade generously
|read generously
|view generously
|define generously
|describe generously
|assume generously
|credit generously
Themes
education
|work
|law_and_order
Examples
- If you interpret his comment generously, he was trying to help.
- The exam was marked generously this year.
- Her performance could be described, generously, as inconsistent.
Learner examples
- Please mark my work generously.
- Try to interpret her words generously.
adverb
C1
property
4
in a magnanimous way
acting in a big, forgiving way
Usage pattern:
forgive/speak/acknowledge [someone/something] generously
Common mistake:
Not “generous” in size/amount; this is about attitude (forgiving, giving credit).
Synonyms
magnanimously (More formal; strongly suggests forgiving or noble-minded behavior.)
|
big-heartedly (More informal; highlights warmth and kindness.)
Antonyms
pettily (Being small-minded, unforgiving, or ungenerous in spirit.)
Collocations
forgive generously
|acknowledge generously
|praise generously
|share credit generously
|speak generously of
|respond generously
|treat generously
|give generously of yourself
|thank generously
|apologize generously
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|work
Examples
- She spoke generously about her former colleague’s work.
- He accepted the criticism generously and thanked them for being honest.
- They generously shared the credit with the whole team.
Learner examples
- He forgave her generously.
- She shared the credit generously.
adverb
C1
property
5
with extra room or size
making something a bit bigger, not tight
Usage pattern:
cut/measure [something] generously
Common mistake:
Often used with cut/measure; it’s about size, not kindness.
Synonyms
amply (Means “more than enough,” slightly more formal.)
|
roomily (Emphasizes having plenty of space, especially in clothing.)
Antonyms
tightly (With little extra space; close-fitting or closely measured.)
Collocations
cut generously
|measure generously
|size generously
|allow generously
|trim generously
|a generously cut jacket
|a generously sized portion
|a generously proportioned room
|a generously wide strap
|a generously long hem
Themes
clothing
|home
|crafts
Examples
- Cut the fabric generously so you can trim it later.
- The coat is generously cut through the shoulders.
- He measured generously to make sure the frame would fit.
Learner examples
- Cut it generously.
- The shirt is generously cut.
Grammar
Dictionary form
generously
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
US/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
Syllables & stress
gen - er - ously (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (gen)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: generously
- Plural: generouslies
Word family
Forms
generouslies
noun
Core family
generous
adjective B1
generosity
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
ungenerous
adjective
ungenerously
adverb
Expressions
apply generously
1/əplˈaɪ d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
fixed phrase
put on a lot
to use a lot when putting something on
Examples
- Apply generously to clean, dry skin.
- She applied sunscreen generously before going outside.
- Apply the glue generously and press the pieces together.
cut generously
1/kˈʌt d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
fixed phrase
cut with extra space
to cut it a bit bigger
Examples
- Cut generously around the pattern so you can adjust the fit.
- The designer cut the sleeves generously for comfort.
- He cut the slices generously and offered everyone seconds.
donate generously
1/dˈoʊnˌeɪt d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
fixed phrase
donate a large amount
to donate a lot
Examples
- Several companies donated generously to the relief fund.
- If you can, donate generously to help cover medical costs.
- Alumni donated generously to support new scholarships.
give generously
1/ɡˈɪv d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
fixed phrase
donate or share a lot
to give a lot to help
Examples
- Please give generously to support families in need.
- People gave generously after seeing the news report.
- They asked guests to give generously instead of bringing gifts.
interpret generously
1/ɪntˈɚpɹət d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
fixed phrase
read as favorable
to choose the kindest meaning
Examples
- If we interpret generously, his email was meant as a suggestion, not a criticism.
- Her comment can be interpreted generously as concern.
- Try to interpret generously before you respond.
season generously
1/sˈizən d͡ʒˈɛnɚəsli/
fixed phrase
add plenty of seasoning
to add a lot of salt/spices
Examples
- Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- He seasoned the soup generously and tasted it again.
- Season generously, then roast for 20 minutes.