magnanimous

USAGE SUMMARY

'magnanimous' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is generous or understanding towards others, often in spite of difficult situations. For example, "John's magnanimous behavior in the face of adversity earned him the respect of his peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Mr Murphy is going to have to be magnanimous and, to a degree, conciliatory too.

The Guardian - Opinion

McLean was magnanimous in defeat, declaring Gothenburg worthy winners and complimenting his players on the magnificent effort they had put in during 1986-87.

The Guardian - Sport

A new Maidan revolution could happen at any time the smell of burnt tyres is in the air.Western leaders, the story goes, have realised their mistake and are flocking to make amends with Vladimir Putin, the magnanimous Russian leader who tried to warn them against supporting Ukraine.

The Economist

OPTIMISTS hoped that, after Mahinda Rajapaksa's stunning victory in Sri Lanka's presidential election on January 26th, he might be magnanimous to his opponents and reassure citizens worried about the erosion of their civil liberties.

The Economist

Mr Jonathan's magnanimous concession of victory to Mr Buhari will be a terrific boost to democrats across the continent.

The Economist

In some ways, the French would quite like to be asked for help, enabling them to appear magnanimous in spirit and be useful in practice.

The Economist

Our endeavours to assist in the creation of the ECHR were noble and magnanimous.

The Economist

Meanwhile, many of the region's spectacular mountain ravines are simply too dramatic ever to accommodate a bridge of any sort.There are similarly unbridgeable gaps between China's official account of its magnanimous and tolerant rule in Tibet, and the wrenching tales of thuggery and oppression told in whispers by frightened, wary locals.

The Economist

Why are so many adults adopted in Japan?The reason is more mercantile than magnanimous.

The Economist

His is a worthwhile portrait of China's leader, indeed it is the fullest in English to date, but you finish this biography with a nagging sense that it says little that Mr Jiang himself might not have vetted.While hardly a hero, Mr Gilley's Jiang is no villain either: a fundamentally magnanimous man, he prefers to isolate rather than crush opponents.

The Economist

Having stoked conflict, raised tension to breaking point and threatened invasion, he made a magnanimous concession.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "magnanimous" when you want to emphasize a noble and generous spirit, particularly in forgiving or overlooking offenses. It adds a touch of formality and elevation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "magnanimous" to describe simple acts of kindness. The word implies a significant power dynamic or offense that is being overlooked, and using it in trivial situations can sound pompous or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "magnanimous" is to act as an adjective. It modifies a noun, describing a quality of nobility, generosity, or forgiveness. As shown by Ludwig, the word indicates a willingness to overlook the offenses of others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

18%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "magnanimous" is an adjective used to describe someone with a noble and generous spirit, especially in forgiving or overlooking offenses. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Its primary function is to express admiration for such behavior and is frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias contexts. It's important to use "magnanimous" when referring to exceptional generosity rather than trivial acts of kindness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word adds a layer of formality and should be chosen thoughtfully to appropriately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generous

Focuses specifically on the act of giving or sharing, lacking the implication of overlooking offenses.

forgiving

Highlights the act of pardoning someone for a wrong, without necessarily implying nobility of character.

charitable

Emphasizes the act of giving aid to those in need, often monetarily or materially.

big-hearted

Conveys a sense of warmth and kindness, sometimes lacking the formal or lofty connotation of "magnanimous".

noble

Emphasizes the moral excellence and high character, potentially lacking focus on the generosity aspect.

lenient

Focuses on showing mercy or tolerance in judgment or punishment.

unspiteful

Highlights the absence of malice or resentment, primarily focusing on not seeking revenge.

understanding

Emphasizes empathy and comprehension of another's situation, potentially lacking implication of overlooking offense or generosity.

clement

Indicates mildness or mercifulness, especially in weather or in the exercise of power.

gracious

Conveys politeness, courtesy, and elegance of manner, differing on how the other options change some nuances.

FAQs

How do you use "magnanimous" in a sentence?

You can use "magnanimous" to describe a person or their actions when they are being generous and forgiving, especially towards someone who has wronged them. For example, "The leader made a "magnanimous gesture" by offering amnesty to his former enemies."

What is a synonym for "magnanimous"?

Synonyms for "magnanimous" include "generous", "forgiving", "charitable", and "big-hearted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the word "magnanimous"?

It is appropriate to use "magnanimous" when describing someone who is displaying exceptional generosity or forgiveness, especially towards a rival or someone who has caused them harm. It suggests a noble and elevated spirit.

What is the difference between "magnanimous" and "generous"?

"Generous" refers to the act of giving or sharing, while "magnanimous" implies a noble and forgiving spirit, often in the face of adversity or wrongdoing. Someone can be generous without being magnanimous, and vice versa.