magnanimity

noun

mag·​na·​nim·​i·​ty ˌmag-nə-ˈni-mə-tē How to pronounce magnanimity (audio)
plural magnanimities
1
: the quality of being magnanimous : loftiness of spirit enabling one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity
He had the magnanimity to forgive her for lying about him.
2
: a magnanimous act
the great magnanimities between soldiersKatharine Tynan

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Bulls guard Alex Caruso credits DeRozan’s longevity to his magnanimity as much as his midrange jumper. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2023 That expresses such incredible magnanimity and good nature and restraint. Vulture, 12 Nov. 2022 In Hollywood, to speak of one’s parents with gratitude and magnanimity, rather than bitterness and resentment, is something of a radical act. Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 21 July 2022 The magnanimity in victory displayed by President Abraham Lincoln and Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, and the conciliatory attitude adopted by Lee, are a testament to the three men’s character and love of country. WSJ, 22 Apr. 2022 That's a supremely easy position from which to display magnanimity. Damon Linker, The Week, 27 Jan. 2022 Moving forward, the ability of uninsured Connecticut residents to get COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatment could depend largely on the magnanimity of care providers. Alex Putterman, courant.com, 1 Apr. 2022 Much better to strike a pose of magnanimity on the least bad of several options in order to strengthen his hand down the road — which means the 2022 midterm elections, and ultimately the presidential contest to follow. Damon Linker, The Week, 10 Aug. 2021 In an act of presidential magnanimity, Biden officially pardoned both turkeys, who accepted the honor with what appeared to be calm indifference. Washington Post, 19 Nov. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnanimity.' 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 at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near magnanimity

Cite this Entry

“Magnanimity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/magnanimity. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

magnanimity

noun
mag·​na·​nim·​i·​ty ˌmag-nə-ˈnim-ət-ē How to pronounce magnanimity (audio)
plural magnanimities
1
: nobility of character : high-mindedness
2
: a magnanimous act

More from Merriam-Webster on magnanimity

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