magnanimous decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "magnanimous decision" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a decision that is generous or forgiving, especially in a situation where one party has the power to be unkind or vindictive. Example: "Despite the heated arguments, she made a magnanimous decision to forgive her opponent and extend an olive branch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That same strategic brilliance was on display in his response to Obama's sanctions: first, the demand for a tit-for-tat response from Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, followed by Putin's magnanimous decision not to expel American diplomats and to further extend a friendly invitation to their children to an annual winter party.

The New Yorker

It was the perfect punctuation to Phelps's Olympics, which he closed with a fifth gold medal and a magnanimous decision to allow Crocker to swim the butterfly leg of Saturday night's medley relay, which could still net Phelps a sixth gold and an eighth medal over all.

The New York Times - Sports

In what was probably the most magnanimous decision he ever made, Jobs decided not to exercise any editorial control over the final book.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Senator McCain had already shown himself to be magnanimous in defeat.

Independent

But the Chinese government has come up with a less magnanimous approach to the Norwegian Nobel Committee's decision to give the peace prize to the dissident Liu Xiaobo, 54, who is serving an 11-year sentence for subversion.

The New York Times

It positions him at home and internationally as a "strong, magnanimous leader, someone who makes the final decision despite Lavrov's recommendations" – and effectively sidelines Obama by dangling "both a carrot and a stick for Trump".

Vice

It takes a truly humble and magnanimous man to say: "Well, I have to respect the decision of the committee and, if the occasion arises, I will now destroy all life on Earth".

The Guardian - Opinion

Magnanimous, that.

The Guardian - Sport

Magnanimous words.

The New York Times

What a magnanimous fellow.

The Guardian

She is unfathomably magnanimous.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "magnanimous decision" when you want to emphasize the generosity or forgiving nature of a decision, especially in a context where the decision-maker could have chosen a harsher or more self-serving option.

Common error

Avoid using "magnanimous decision" in trivial situations. The phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the decision truly reflects a generous or forgiving spirit that goes above and beyond what is expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "magnanimous decision" functions as a noun phrase, where 'magnanimous' modifies 'decision'. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable, suggesting it appropriately describes a generous or forgiving choice.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Sports

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "magnanimous decision" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to describe a decision characterized by exceptional generosity or forgiveness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to highlight the moral virtue of the decision-maker. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, with few examples, when used correctly, it adds significant weight to the description. Though suitable for neutral contexts, it is more frequently found in news and media and sporting contexts. Remember to reserve this phrase for scenarios that genuinely warrant its elevated tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generous determination

Focuses on the generosity aspect, highlighting the benevolent nature of the determination.

forgiving resolution

Emphasizes the forgiving aspect of the decision, suggesting a willingness to overlook faults or offenses.

generous verdict

Simply highlights the generous aspect of the decision.

chivalrous choice

Highlights the noble and honorable nature of the choice, suggesting a high-minded approach.

kindhearted choice

Highlights the kind and compassionate nature of the choice.

noble determination

Focuses on the moral excellence and integrity of the determination.

big-hearted ruling

Underscores the kindness and compassion behind the ruling, suggesting a generous spirit.

altruistic judgment

Focuses on the selfless nature of the judgment, suggesting a concern for others' well-being.

benevolent verdict

Emphasizes the kindness and well-meaning nature of the verdict.

unselfish ruling

Stresses the lack of self-interest in the making of the decision.

FAQs

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

You can use "magnanimous decision" to describe a choice that is generous or forgiving, especially when the decision-maker had the power to be unkind. For example: "Despite the betrayal, she made a "magnanimous decision" to forgive her friend."

What are some alternatives to "magnanimous decision"?

Alternatives to "magnanimous decision" include "generous determination", "forgiving resolution", or "chivalrous choice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "magnanimous decision"?

It is appropriate to use "magnanimous decision" when highlighting the generosity or forgiving nature of a decision, particularly in situations where the decision-maker could have acted selfishly or vindictively.

What distinguishes a "magnanimous decision" from a simply "good decision"?

A "magnanimous decision" goes beyond simply being beneficial or correct; it specifically implies a generous, forgiving, or noble quality that exceeds expectations. A simple 'good decision' might be effective or practical, but a "magnanimous decision" showcases exceptional moral character.