generosity

noun

gen·​er·​os·​i·​ty ˌje-nə-ˈrä-sə-tē How to pronounce generosity (audio)
-ˈrä-stē
plural generosities
1
a
: the quality or fact of being generous
a person of great generosity
b
: a generous act
2
: abundance
great generosity of spirit

Examples of generosity in a Sentence

her generosity toward the poor a sidewalk beggar who benefited from the generosity of kindhearted passersby
Recent Examples on the Web There’s also a lovely sense of intergenerational generosity, as two sharp scientific minds pool their knowledge, and ultimately, as Zoya instills confidence in Paula to continue her work. David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2024 Your heart’s in the right place as the moon and Jupiter clash, but someone could exploit your generosity. USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 These are also the main annual fundraisers for some local groups, many of whom give right back to their communities, so your generosity is appreciated. Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2024 Wherever and whenever children are in need, UNICEF is there to help During the holy month of Ramadan, UNICEF joins Muslim communities across the globe in calling for solidarity and generosity towards families and children who are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. Sarah Ferguson, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The presentation has a sense of generosity, in size and in spirit. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2024 On Friday, the Olympic gold medalist, 26, shared two Instagram Stories shouting out her husband for his generosity. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024 The couple says they were met with no shortage of kindness and generosity from the Iraqi people. Zoey Lyttle, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 At 133 minutes, the doc runs long but never dull, given the generosity of attention lavished on almost the entire Powell and Pressburger filmography. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generosity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of generosity was in 1566

Dictionary Entries Near generosity

Cite this Entry

“Generosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generosity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

generosity

noun
gen·​er·​os·​i·​ty ˌjen-ə-ˈräs-ət-ē How to pronounce generosity (audio)
plural generosities
1
: freedom in spirit or act
especially : readiness in giving
2
: a generous act

More from Merriam-Webster on generosity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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