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

Examples of magnanimity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But Paxton’s magnanimity was tested during Saturday afternoon’s 10-4 loss against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2023 Bergeron’s carte blanche and magnanimity — like his brilliant career — must have some endpoint. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 13 July 2023 After the race, Ledecky reflected on the magnanimity of beating Phelps' record. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 30 July 2023 Instead, the liberal ethos of forbearance and magnanimity in negotiating differences provides the best institutional framework for protecting humans from the destructive forces of oppression. Karl Polanyi, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022 This magnanimity makes for some strange bedfellows and legendarily eclectic gatherings. Sadie Stein, Town & Country, 17 Aug. 2021 In his last years, Mr. Charles was able to look back at his life with magnanimity, moving from a place of deep anger to one of conciliation. Natasha Frost, New York Times, 20 Sep. 2022 But Smith showed no such magnanimity. Elizabeth Weil, Saveur, 6 Sep. 2016 Bulls guard Alex Caruso credits DeRozan’s longevity to his magnanimity as much as his midrange jumper. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2023 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 4 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!