generous

gen·er·ous

adjective \ˈjen-rəs, ˈje-nə-\

Definition of GENEROUS

1

archaic : highborn

2

a : characterized by a noble or forbearing spirit : magnanimous, kindly

b : liberal in giving : openhanded

c : marked by abundance or ample proportions : copious <a thin salt-and-pepper moustache interrupted by a generous nose — Richard Zabel>

— gen·er·ous·ly adverb

— gen·er·ous·ness noun

Examples of GENEROUS

1. The school raised the money through donations from generous alumni.
2. He was generous with both his time and his money.
3. She has always been very generous toward the poor.
4. This restaurant is known for its generous portions.
5. a generous helping of mashed potatoes
6. She has a generous heart.
7. He has generous sympathy for unemployed workers.

Origin of GENEROUS

Middle French or Latin; Middle French genereus, from Latin generosus, from gener-, genus

First Known Use: 1583

Related to GENEROUS

Synonyms

bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, free, freehanded, freehearted, fulsome, liberal, munificent, open, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing, unstinting

Antonyms

cheap, close, closefisted, costive, illiberal [archaic], mingy, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable, ungenerous

Related Words

extravagant, handsome, lavish, overgenerous, profuse; altruistic, beneficent, benevolent, hospitable, humanitarian, philanthropic (also philanthropical); big, greathearted, largehearted, magnanimous, openhearted; compassionate, good-hearted, kind, kindly, samaritan, sympathetic

Near Antonyms

mean, petty, small; frugal, spare, sparing, thrifty; chary, stinting; acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, covetous, desirous, grasping, hoggish, itchy, mercenary, rapacious; begrudging, envious, grudging, resentful

See Synonym Discussion at liberal