généreux

Généreux is a French adjective meaning generous, open-handed, or liberal. It describes a person who willingly gives time, money, or help, and a disposition marked by kindness and consideration. The masculine singular is généreux and the feminine singular is généreuse; the plural forms are généreux (masc) and généreuses (fem). It can refer to people as well as actions, as in un geste généreux or une contribution généreuse.

Etymology traces généreux to Latin generosus, meaning noble or of noble birth, through Old French generos. The sense evolved from references to noble lineage to a broader idea of noble spirit and largesse, yielding the modern meaning of magnanimous or charitable generosity.

Usage notes: the term is common in everyday French and in literature, applicable to individuals, acts, or intentions. It carries a positive valence and can describe personal qualities as well as concrete deeds, such as giving money, time, or aid. Synonyms include magnanime, charitable, and altruiste, while antonyms include avare, égoïste, and pingre. In practice, one often pairs généreux with a noun for clarity, for example: un geste généreux, une personne généreuse.

Related noun forms include générosité, meaning generosity. The word is primarily used as an adjective; when naming a person directly, it is common to say une femme généreuse or un homme généreux, rather than using généreux as a noun.