generous

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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 heartb : liberal in giving : openhanded a generous benefactorc : 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

generously

adverb

generousness

noun

See generous defined for English-language learners

See generous defined for kids

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 of generous from the Web

Apply false lashes and a generous coat of mascara to really make your eyes pop.

— brooke shunatona, Cosmopolitan, "11 Halloween Looks You Can Create With Makeup You Already Have", 30 June 2017
Those same companies — places like Google, Facebook, Cerner — offer generous benefit packages to even entry level employees.

— scott canon, kansascity.com, "Digital Life: Tech’s egalitarian bro culture", 26 June 2017
Under those measures, states could set their own standards that might not be as generous, allowing insurers to exclude benefits for those with preexisting illness.

— jay hancock, Kaiser Health News, "Promises Made To Protect Preexisting Conditions Prove Hollow", 22 June 2017
A generous bed of leafy greens and bitter frisée were tossed with just the right amount of basil vinaigrette.

— lindsey mcclave, The Courier-Journal, "Wiltshire At The Speed should not be missed | Review", 21 June 2017
The president’s travels throughout the country often garner more generous — and positive — headlines in the local press.

— james hohmann, Washington Post, "The Daily 202: Democrats despondent, Trump emboldened after GOP victory in Georgia special election", 21 June 2017
Andrew Miller handled the ninth for his first save of the year, perhaps benefiting from a generous strike zone on a strikeout of Escobar and an inconclusive replay review of Rosario’s game-ending headfirst slide into first.

— mike berardino, Twin Cities, "Indians make Chris Gimenez eat his words in four-game sweep of Twins", 18 June 2017
The lobster is as fresh and delicious and generous as could be.

— sam dangremond, Town & Country, "The Best Lobster Rolls in the Country, According to Top Chefs", 16 June 2017
U.S. retirees and Mexican residents alike note that expats are generous with their time and money.

— peter rowe, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Back Story: Americans in Rosarito Beach", 11 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of generous

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

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First Known Use: 1583

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of 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