generosity

noun

gen·​er·​os·​i·​ty ˌje-nə-ˈrä-sə-tē 

-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

Synonyms

• bigheartedness
• bountifulness
• bounty
• generousness
• largesse
• largess
• liberality
• munificence
• openhandedness
• openheartedness
• philanthropy
• unselfishness

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

The Digest In another act of generosity, The New York Times chief art critic Holland Cotter is donating the $50,000 he was recently awarded for the 2024 Rabkin Prize. —The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2024

Small acts of generosity set the foundation for a strong connection. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

The debate over the definition of generosity notwithstanding, one thing is clear: nonprofits increasingly depend on a limited number of rich benefactors. —Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 17 Sep. 2024

Further research into the changing nature of generosity, and making research more accessible, are also critical components in any campaign to reverse our current trajectory. —Jane Wales and Mike Gianoni, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

generosity

noun

gen·​er·​os·​i·​ty ˌjen-ə-ˈräs-ət-ē 

plural generosities

1

: freedom in spirit or act

especially : readiness in giving

2

: a generous act

3

: an ample quantity

a generosity of spirit