magnanimity

noun

mag·​na·​nim·​i·​ty ˌmag-nə-ˈni-mə-tē How to pronounce magnanimity (audio)
plural magnanimities
1
: the quality of being magnanimous : loftiness of spirit enabling one to bear trouble calmly, to disdain meanness and pettiness, and to display a noble generosity
He had the magnanimity to forgive her for lying about him.
2
: a magnanimous act
the great magnanimities between soldiersKatharine Tynan

Examples of magnanimity in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Their blankets, representing status and magnanimity, illustrate the sisters’ strong bond. Fawnia Soo Hoo, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Feb. 2024 This magnanimity won’t surprise anyone who’s read an interview with Kneecap over the past six years, or engaged with them at a level deeper than the superficial projections of tabloid papers or attention-hungry politicians. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 Feb. 2024 For all his magnanimity, Mr. Burnham has clashed with the British government. Stephen Humphries, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Dec. 2023 But Paxton’s magnanimity was tested during Saturday afternoon’s 10-4 loss against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 15 July 2023 Bergeron’s carte blanche and magnanimity — like his brilliant career — must have some endpoint. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 13 July 2023 After the race, Ledecky reflected on the magnanimity of beating Phelps' record. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 30 July 2023 Instead, the liberal ethos of forbearance and magnanimity in negotiating differences provides the best institutional framework for protecting humans from the destructive forces of oppression. Karl Polanyi, Foreign Affairs, 6 Sep. 2022 This magnanimity makes for some strange bedfellows and legendarily eclectic gatherings. Sadie Stein, Town & Country, 17 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'magnanimity.' 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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of magnanimity was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near magnanimity

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

magnanimity

noun
mag·​na·​nim·​i·​ty ˌmag-nə-ˈnim-ət-ē How to pronounce magnanimity (audio)
plural magnanimities
1
: nobility of character : high-mindedness
2
: a magnanimous act

More from Merriam-Webster on magnanimity

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