liberality

noun

lib·​er·​al·​i·​ty ˌli-bə-ˈra-lə-tē How to pronounce liberality (audio)
plural liberalities
: the quality or state of being liberal
also : an instance of this

Examples of liberality in a Sentence

She treated his friends with remarkable liberality. Some may disagree with the liberality of their views about parenting.
Recent Examples on the Web Mackenzie had earned a reputation for piety, patriotism, lack of humor and liberality with the lash. Gerard Helferich, WSJ, 10 Nov. 2023 All the states Lauck writes about benefited from the liberality of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787. Phil Christman, The New Republic, 22 Feb. 2023 Despite their relative openness, however, and as Mchangama readily concedes, neither the Greeks nor the Romans understood such liberality to be all-encompassing. Graham Hillard, National Review, 31 Mar. 2022 In a prior age, Puccini was hailed for his liberality. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 16 Nov. 2021 For Judge Barrett, liberality in interpreting some parts of the Constitution is apparently limited to a matter of months in the 18th century. Jonathan Turley, WSJ, 15 Oct. 2020 But when her loyal steward (John Rothman) finally convinces her that all this liberality has left her broke, and her creditors’ minions come calling with bills, her world and her illusions collapse. Jesse Green, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2020 Charity, bounty, and liberality must be added to it. Ramesh Ponnuru, National Review, 11 July 2019 The pendulum can swing widely in Iran, with periods of relative liberality alternating with crackdowns. Thomas Erdbrink, New York Times, 2 June 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'liberality.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of liberality was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near liberality

Cite this Entry

“Liberality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/liberality. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

liberality

noun
lib·​er·​al·​i·​ty ˌlib-ə-ˈral-ət-ē How to pronounce liberality (audio)
plural liberalities
1
: the quality or state of being liberal
2
: a generous act

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