First Known Use: 1583
Dictionary
generous
adjective gen·er·ous \ˈjen-rəs, ˈje-nə-\
: freely giving or sharing money and other valuable things
: providing more than the amount that is needed or normal : abundant or ample
: showing kindness and concern for others
Full Definition of GENEROUS
1
archaic : highborn
2
a : characterized by a noble or kindly spirit : magnanimous b : liberal in giving <a generous benefactor> c : marked by abundance or ample proportions <wide overhangs and generous verandas — Lewis Mumford>
— gen·er·ous·ly adverb
— gen·er·ous·ness noun
See generous defined for English-language learners
See generous defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GENEROUS
Middle French or Latin; Middle French genereus, from Latin generosus, from gener-, genus
Related to GENEROUS
- Synonyms
- bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, free, freehanded, freehearted, fulsome, liberal, munificent, open, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing, unstinting
- Antonyms
- cheap, close, closefisted, costive, illiberal [archaic], mingy, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable, ungenerous
Synonym Discussion of GENEROUS
liberal, generous, bountiful, munificent mean giving or given freely and unstintingly. liberal suggests openhandedness in the giver and largeness in the thing or amount given <a teacher liberal with her praise>. generous stresses warmhearted readiness to give more than size or importance of the gift <a generous offer of help>. bountiful suggests lavish, unremitting giving or providing <children spoiled by bountiful presents>. munificent suggests a scale of giving appropriate to lords or princes <a munificent foundation grant>.
GENEROUSLY Defined for Kids
generous
adjective gen·er·ous \ˈje-nə-rəs, ˈjen-rəs\
Definition of GENEROUS for Kids
1
: freely giving or sharing <She was generous with her time.>
2
: providing more than enough of what is needed : abundant <a generous supply>
— gen·er·ous·ly adverb
Learn More About GENEROUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: -genesPrevious Word in the Dictionary: generosityAll Words Near: generous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up generous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).