Definition
Largesse means generosity in giving money or gifts.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun.
Synonyms
generosity, liberality, munificence, bounty, charity, benevolence, philanthropy, open-handedness, magnanimity, ample-handedness.
Antonyms
stinginess, miserliness, meanness, parsimony, selfishness, greed, tightfistedness, niggardliness.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | largesse, largesses |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The millionaire was known for his largesse and regularly donated vast sums of money to charitable organizations.
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The concert organizer’s largesse was evident in the extravagant decorations, the free drinks, and the VIP treatment.
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The company’s largesse towards its employees included annual bonuses, health insurance, and generous sick leave.
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The politician’s populism was fueled by his largesse to his supporters, which included promises of free education and universal healthcare.
Usage
The word ’largesse’ is used to describe an act of generosity or the quality of being generous. It is commonly used in formal and literary contexts. The word is derived from the Old French ’largesse’ which means a gift or a donation. The root of the word is ’large’ which means abundant or ample. The suffix ’esse’ signifies a state or quality of being.
Some variations of ’largesse’ include ’largess’ which is an alternate spelling and ’largessement’ which is the French adverbial form of the word. ‘Largess’ is used more commonly in British English than in American English.
The word ’largesse’ is often used to describe the generosity of wealthy or influential people. It is also used to describe the generosity of institutions or organizations towards their employees or the public. For example, a company may show largesse by providing attractive compensation packages, or a charitable organization may be known for its largesse towards those in need.
In literature, ’largesse’ is often used in chivalric romances to describe the gift-giving rituals of knights and their lords. In this context, the word is used to denote not only the generosity of the gift but also the social and moral obligations that come with receiving it.
In summary, ’largesse’ is a formal and literary word used to describe generosity or the quality of being generous. Its root is ’large’ and it is commonly used to describe the generosity of wealthy individuals, organizations or institutions. Variations include ’largess’ and ’largessement’.