generous

adjective

gen·er·ous | \ ˈjen-rəs

, ˈje-nə-\

Definition of generous

1 archaic : highborn

2a : characterized by a noble or kindly spirit : magnanimous, kindly a generous heart

b : liberal in giving : openhanded a generous benefactor

c : marked by abundance or ample proportions wide overhangs and generous verandas— Lewis Mumford : copious a thin salt-and-pepper moustache interrupted by a generous nose— Richard Zabel

Other Words from generous Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about generous

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Choose the Right Synonym for generous

liberal, generous, bountiful, munificent mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given. a teacher liberal with her praise generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift. a generous offer of help bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing. children spoiled by bountiful presents munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes. a munificent foundation grant

Examples of generous in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

And David, who is very generous with his time, spoke to me about it. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "Vanity Fair helped create ‘the celebrity industrial complex.’ VF Editor Radhika Jones wants to investigate it.," 4 Oct. 2018 The kitchen gets in whole beasts every week, reserving some cuts for pie fillings, others for the generous, and immensely popular, Sunday afternoon roast. — Jay Cheshes, WSJ, "Where to Find London’s Premium Pies," 23 Jan. 2019 For a bite, head to Scharfe Ecke, where the traditional Thuringian dumplings are generous in size and served with your choice of meat. — Christian Allaire, Vogue, "Touring Germany’s Most Festive Christmas Markets," 18 Dec. 2018 Accomplished, generous, and oh yeah, royal, Meghan Markle is kinda our dream best friend. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "QUIZ: Could You Be Best Friends With Meghan Markle?," 16 Aug. 2018 To help balance some of the home’s more traditional details, like chintz and antiques, Sikes was generous with natural materials. — Emma Bazilian, House Beautiful, "Unexpected Florals Make This Vacation Home Something Really Special," 6 Oct. 2018 The Senate version of the Harrah's deal is more generous to government than one the House approved. — Julia O'donoghue, NOLA.com, "Harrah's Casino deal gets Louisiana Senate approval," 16 May 2018 What a generous Christmas gift from the Kunis-Kutcher family. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis Gave Dax Shepard And Kristen Bell The Most Hilarious Christmas Gift," 17 Dec. 2018 With holiday shopping season at its peak and winter weather approaching, the brand really couldn't have picked a better time to be generous with the discounts. — Jillian Ruffo, Glamour, "Meghan Markle's Favorite $20 Lip Balm Is on Sale Right Now," 30 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'generous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.