magnanimous

Magnanimous is an adjective that describes a person who is generously noble in spirit. A magnanimous individual is often seen as forgiving toward offenses, willing to reward merit, and able to rise above petty concerns or resentment. The term is typically used to praise moral character, especially in the context of adversity, victory, or conflict.

Etymology and history: Magnanimous comes from the Latin magnanimus, meaning "great-souled," formed from magnus "great" and animus "mind, spirit." The word entered English through Old French or early Modern English usage and has carried a formal, often literary, tone since about the Renaissance.

Usage and nuance: In contemporary prose, magnanimous is most common in discussions of ethics, leadership, or diplomacy. It connotes a measured generosity and moral courage—extending forgiveness, giving credit to others, and acting with nobility even when wronged or when success invites petty responses. The term can feel elevated or classical, and is less common in everyday casual speech.

Synonyms and antonyms: Related terms include magnanimity (the noun form), generous, noble, and benevolent. Antonyms include petty, vindictive, resentful, and small-souled—words that emphasize the opposite temperament.

See also: The concept of magnanimity is explored in classical virtue ethics, including discussions by Cicero and Aristotle, and later by Christian theologians such as Thomas Aquinas, who treat magnanimity as a high virtue aligned with justice and fortitude.

Overall, magnanimous describes a form of noble generosity rooted in a principled, expansive outlook rather than mere generosity of means.