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Magnanimous

[maɡ-nan-ə-məs]

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, 16th century

1.

Quick and willing to forgive

2.

Noble and fair, as in a ruler or leader

Examples of Magnanimous in a sentence

"The magnanimous king abolished taxes and was beloved throughout the land."

"The battle was over when the king offered a magnanimous gesture of peace to his rival."

About Magnanimous

A magnanimous action is one that extends forgiveness. A 2014 study found that people are much more likely to be magnanimous and forgiving if the party that did them wrong offers an apology or similar gesture. That may seem obvious, but the study explored the psychological implications of conflict management and group living.

Did you Know?

What does being magnanimous have to do with animals? They both share Latin roots with animus, which refers to things that are alive or lively. A person who is magnanimous is said to have a particularly lively spirit of goodness within them.

illustration Magnanimous

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