generous

adjective

gen·​er·​ous ˈje-nə-rəs 

ˈjen-rə-

1

a

: liberal in giving : openhanded

a generous benefactor

b

: 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

c

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

a generous heart

2

archaic : highborn

generously adverb

generousness noun

Synonyms of generous

• charitable
• liberal
• benevolent

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

Trick or treaters with creative costumes and merchants with generous candy giveaways stretched from 5th Street to Ramona Street during the event, organized by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce. —Stephanie Ogilvie, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2025

Upstairs, the primary bedroom and a generous guest suite function as spa-like sanctuaries, while the lower level is designed entirely for wellness and play, with a gym, steam room, sauna, and rec room, plus two additional bedrooms—including a kid-friendly bunk room. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2025

Each of the new subs comes topped with Monterey Cheddar cheese, spinach, red onions, mayonnaise, and generous servings of the new stuffing and cranberry sauce. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

This cheesy, meaty spaghetti casserole makes eight generous portions which is great for family dinner and leftovers. —Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for generous

• ungenerous

Kids Definition

generous

adjective

gen·​er·​ous ˈjen-(ə-)rəs 

1

: free in giving or sharing

2

: noble entry 1 sense 5, high-minded

3

: abundant

a generous supply

generously adverb

generousness noun