magnanimity
gb/mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/ us/mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
property
1
generosity toward an opponent
being kind and forgiving, even to someone who treated you badly
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s magnanimity (toward [someone])
Common mistake:
Magnanimity is about generosity or forgiveness, not simply being ‘big’ or physically strong (it comes from Latin ‘great-minded’).
Synonyms
generosity (Broader; not always directed at an opponent.)
|
forbearance (Emphasizes patient self-control and not retaliating.)
|
clemency (Often used for mercy shown by someone in authority.)
Antonyms
pettiness (Focus on small grievances instead of rising above them.)
|
spite (Desire to hurt or offend, especially in response to feeling wronged.)
|
vindictiveness (Strong wish for revenge rather than forgiveness.)
Collocations
show magnanimity
|display magnanimity
|an act of magnanimity
|a gesture of magnanimity
|magnanimity toward an opponent
|magnanimity in victory
|magnanimity after the dispute
|political magnanimity
|rare magnanimity
|unexpected magnanimity
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|morality
|conflict
Examples
- In defeat, she showed magnanimity by congratulating her rival and thanking her team.
- His magnanimity after the argument made it easier for everyone to move on.
- The judge praised the victim’s magnanimity in accepting the apology.
Learner examples
- He showed magnanimity and forgave them.
- She thanked her opponent with magnanimity.
Noun
formal
C1
property
2
noble, high-minded character
a noble way of thinking that is not selfish
Usage pattern:
magnanimity of [someone]
Common mistake:
Don’t confuse magnanimity with ‘ambition’ or ‘confidence’; it describes moral largeness, not drive or self-belief.
Synonyms
nobility (Focuses on honorable character; can also mean aristocratic status.)
|
largeness of spirit (More descriptive and less formal than magnanimity.)
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high-mindedness (Emphasizes principled thinking and ideals.)
Antonyms
small-mindedness (Lack of generosity or breadth of outlook.)
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selfishness (Prioritizing one’s own advantage over fairness or kindness.)
Collocations
great magnanimity
|true magnanimity
|magnanimity of spirit
|a sense of magnanimity
|known for magnanimity
|magnanimity and humility
|magnanimity and compassion
|public magnanimity
|personal magnanimity
|moral magnanimity
Themes
personality
|morality
|values
Examples
- Her magnanimity was evident in the way she treated everyone with respect, regardless of status.
- The biography presents him as a leader of unusual magnanimity and restraint.
- Magnanimity is hard to sustain when you feel you’ve been treated unfairly.
Learner examples
- People admired his magnanimity.
- Magnanimity is a kind of noble character.
Grammar
Dictionary form
magnanimity
IPA
GB/mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/
US/mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/
Syllables & stress
mag - nan - im - ity (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mag)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: magnanimity
- Plural: magnanimity
Word family
Core family
magnanimous
adjective C1
magnanimously
adverb C1
Negative and opposite forms
petty
adjective B2
ungenerous
adjective
Expressions
a gesture of magnanimity
1/ə d͡ʒˈɛst͡ʃɚ əv mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/
fixed phrase
formal
symbolic generous action
a small action to show kindness
Examples
- As a gesture of magnanimity, the company offered to cover the customer’s expenses.
- The president’s visit was presented as a gesture of magnanimity after years of tension.
- She sent a friendly message as a gesture of magnanimity.
an act of magnanimity
1/ən ˈækt əv mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/
fixed phrase
formal
a generous, forgiving act
one generous or forgiving action
Examples
- In an act of magnanimity, he withdrew his complaint after hearing the explanation.
- Her donation to the rival charity was seen as an act of magnanimity.
- They called the apology an act of magnanimity, not weakness.
magnanimity in victory
1/mˈæɡnənɪmɪti ˈɪn vˈɪktɚi/
fixed phrase
formal
graciousness after winning
being kind after you win
Examples
- The coach praised the team’s magnanimity in victory as much as their skill.
- Magnanimity in victory helps keep a rivalry respectful.
- Her magnanimity in victory won over even her harshest critics.
show magnanimity
1/ʃˈoʊ mˈæɡnənɪmɪti/
fixed phrase
formal
act generously and forgive
to be kind and forgiving
Examples
- He chose to show magnanimity and thanked them for their honesty.
- After winning, she showed magnanimity toward her critics.
- Leaders are expected to show magnanimity in public.