magnanimous
gb/mæɡnˈænəməs/ us/mæɡnˈænəməs/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
formal
C1
property
1
generous and forgiving to others
kind and forgiving, even when you could be angry
Usage pattern:
[someone] is magnanimous (to/toward [someone]) (about [something])
Common mistake:
Often confused with words like "magnificent" (meaning very impressive). "Magnanimous" is about character (generous/forgiving), not appearance.
Synonyms
gracious (Emphasizes polite kindness and good manners, especially after success.)
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generous (Broader; can mean giving or kind in general, not necessarily after conflict.)
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big-hearted (More informal; stresses warmth and kindness.)
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forgiving (Focuses on letting go of anger rather than generosity.)
Antonyms
petty (Opposite of noble-minded; small and resentful about minor issues.)
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vindictive (Wanting revenge instead of forgiving.)
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mean (Ungenerous or unkind in attitude or behavior.)
Collocations
magnanimous gesture
|magnanimous offer
|magnanimous apology
|magnanimous response
|magnanimous attitude
|magnanimous decision
|magnanimous treatment
|a magnanimous leader
|be magnanimous
|remain magnanimous
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|conflict
|ethics
Examples
- She was magnanimous in defeat and congratulated her opponent warmly.
- It was magnanimous of him to apologize publicly and move on.
- After the argument, she took a magnanimous approach and offered to start over.
Learner examples
- He was magnanimous and forgave her.
- She tried to be magnanimous after she won.
adjective
formal
C1
property
2
very generous; willing to give
very generous in what you give or do
Usage pattern:
a magnanimous [gift/act/donation/offer]
Common mistake:
In everyday talk, people more often say "generous"; "magnanimous" can sound formal or elevated.
Synonyms
generous (The most common everyday word for this idea.)
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openhanded (Emphasizes giving freely, especially money or help.)
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munificent (More literary/formal; suggests very large generosity.)
Antonyms
stingy (Unwilling to give or share.)
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tightfisted (Informal; especially unwilling to spend money.)
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selfish (Focused on one’s own needs rather than giving.)
Collocations
magnanimous gift
|magnanimous donation
|magnanimous contribution
|magnanimous support
|magnanimous assistance
|magnanimous praise
|magnanimous offer
|magnanimous act
Themes
social_life
|ethics
|money
Examples
- The foundation made a magnanimous donation to the local hospital.
- She gave a magnanimous amount of credit to her team for the project’s success.
- His magnanimous offer of help surprised everyone.
Learner examples
- She made a magnanimous donation.
- He was magnanimous with his time.
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.
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.