a magnanimous act

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a magnanimous act" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that is generous or forgiving, especially towards a rival or someone less powerful. Example: "Donating a large sum to the local shelter was truly a magnanimous act that inspired others in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The growing number of stores that don't open on Thanksgiving and scale back Black Friday operations would like us to think that it is a magnanimous act with their staff's wellbeing at its heart.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Catholic Church takes a magnanimous turn.

The New Yorker

It appears that the sitting President has been looking for a way to end his reign by one magnanimous act, just like a warlord on his feast day.

The Economist

(It should be noted that in spite of this magnanimous act, MacGowan has a pretty poor opinion of modern players, at one point exploding: "Footballers! Bunch of ballerinas playing to peasants!") O'Boyle is genial enough to play "Road to Paradise" over the PA, and there's a fire to MacGowan's delivery that's a revelation after years of relative silence.

Independent

I've learned not to believe Trump's magnanimous act, but others really want to.

The Guardian - Opinion

A charting of several magnanimous acts recently noted in the news.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, February 18 , 1939P. 44 A charting of several magnanimous acts recently noted in the news.

The New Yorker

By W. E. Farbstein The New Yorker, February 18 , 1939P. 44 A charting of several magnanimous acts recently noted in the news.

The New Yorker

We often think of forgiveness as a kind, magnanimous act an act of mercy or compassion extended to someone who wronged us.

University of California, Berkeley

To the contrary, in trying to strike a magnanimous note about Clinton, he ended up sounding like the head of a police state, where the cops and prosecutors routinely act at the behest of the great leader.

The New Yorker

What a magnanimous fellow.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a magnanimous act" when you want to emphasize the generous or forgiving nature of an action, particularly one taken by someone in a position of power or authority.

Common error

Avoid describing your own actions as "a magnanimous act", as it can come across as arrogant or self-serving. It's generally better to let others describe your actions in this way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a magnanimous act" functions as a noun phrase that describes an action. It highlights the generous and forgiving nature of the act, often suggesting that it involves overlooking a fault or offense. It's a descriptive phrase, as also confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a magnanimous act" describes an exceptionally generous and forgiving action, often taken by someone in a position of power. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While the phrase itself isn't extremely common, it carries a strong positive connotation. It's best used to praise actions that go above and beyond ordinary generosity, while you should avoid using it to describe your own actions, as it may seem self-congratulatory. Alternatives like "a generous deed" or "a noble gesture" can be used depending on the specific context and the aspect that you need to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a generous deed

Focuses on the generosity aspect, omitting the potential for overlooking a fault.

a forgiving gesture

Highlights the act of forgiveness, rather than the grandness of the action.

an act of benevolence

Emphasizes the kindness and goodwill behind the action.

a charitable action

Highlights the charitable aspect, specifically related to giving or aid.

a noble gesture

Highlights the moral excellence and selflessness of the action.

a selfless act

Focuses on the lack of personal gain in the action.

a big-hearted move

Uses a more informal and emotional description of the action.

an act of grace

Implies a sense of divine favor or elegance in the action.

a kindhearted deed

Stresses the kindness and warmth associated with the act.

a humanitarian effort

Highlights the act's benefit to humanity or a large group of people.

FAQs

How can I use "a magnanimous act" in a sentence?

You can use "a magnanimous act" to describe a generous or forgiving action, especially one taken by someone powerful. For example, "The CEO's decision to forgo their bonus was seen as "a magnanimous act"."

What are some alternatives to saying "a magnanimous act"?

Alternatives include "a generous deed", "a forgiving gesture", or "a noble gesture". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe my own actions as "a magnanimous act"?

While grammatically correct, describing your own actions as "a magnanimous act" can seem boastful. It's usually better to let others describe your actions in that way.

What distinguishes "a magnanimous act" from simply "a generous act"?

"A magnanimous act" typically implies a greater scale of generosity or forgiveness, often involving overlooking a fault or offense. It suggests a grander, more impressive display of goodwill than simply "a generous act".