Definition
Giving or sharing money, goods, or time freely and willingly, especially more than is expected or required.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
Charitable, philanthropic, benevolent, munificent, liberal, unselfish, selfless
Antonyms
Stingy, miserly, ungenerous, greedy, selfish, parsimonious
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | generosity, generousnesses, generosities, generousness |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | generous |
| Adverb | generously |
Example Sentences
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Sarah is known for her generous nature; she is always ready to lend a helping hand and share her resources with those in need, whether it’s volunteering at a local shelter or donating to charity.
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Despite his own financial struggles, Mark displayed a truly generous spirit by organizing a fundraiser to support his friend’s medical expenses, rallying the community to contribute and show their support.
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The company’s CEO exemplifies generosity by implementing employee benefits and programs that go above and beyond, including flexible work hours, paid volunteer days, and comprehensive healthcare coverage.
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Emma’s generous donation of books to the school library greatly enriched the educational resources available to students, opening up new opportunities for learning and sparking their love for reading.
Usage
The word “generous” has its roots in the Latin word “generosus,” which means “of noble birth” or “noble-minded.” The term evolved to encompass the idea of having a noble or magnanimous nature, particularly when it comes to sharing resources, time, or kindness with others. The prefix “gen-” suggests “birth” or “origin,” highlighting the notion of nobility and high moral character.
In its historical usage, being generous was associated with qualities such as nobility, benevolence, and largesse. It was seen as a virtue and an expression of one’s abundance and willingness to share with those in need. The concept of generosity is deeply embedded in various cultural and religious traditions, emphasizing the importance of giving and selflessness.
Today, the term “generous” is commonly used to describe someone who is willing to give, share, or provide for others in a substantial and meaningful way. It implies a readiness to offer assistance, resources, or support without expecting anything in return. Generosity is often associated with acts of kindness, philanthropy, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.
Variations of the word “generous” include “generosity” (noun form) and “generously” (adverb form). These variations allow for the expression of the quality or manner in which someone demonstrates generosity. For example, one might acknowledge someone’s generosity in a particular situation or appreciate how they generously contribute to a cause.
While the word “generous” typically stands on its own without the addition of prefixes or suffixes to alter its meaning, it can be combined with other words to create compound phrases that further describe acts or behaviors associated with generosity. Examples include “generous donation,” “generous spirit,” or “generous-hearted.” Such combinations enhance the understanding of the extent and nature of someone’s generosity.