generous means noble in behaviour or actions; principled, not petty; kind, magnanimous. It carries an Arena rating of 1614, earned across 3 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, generous ranks #467 of 17,052 for Most Elegant Words, #2,396 of 17,052 for Most Storied Words, #2,614 of 17,052 for Words That Escaped Their Books, #2,866 of 17,052 for Most Beautiful Words.
generous is pronounced /ˈd͡ʒɛn(ə)ɹəs/.
Why “generous” is a great word
Showing a readiness to give more of something, especially money or help, than is strictly necessary or expected. From Middle French *genereux*, from Latin *generōsus* ("of noble birth"), from *genus* ("race, stock, kind"). Unlike "liberal," which often implies a broad-minded but sometimes impersonal tolerance in giving, or "munificent," which denotes splendid and public lavishness, "generous" carries an intimate warmth. It is the neighbor who shovels your walk before dawn, the cook who serves the larger portion without remark, the stranger who offers a coat on a cold bus ride. It is the quiet, unceremonious argument against the world's scarcity, a warmth passed hand to hand, like breath on glass.
Etymology
From Middle French genereux, and its source, Latin generōsus (“of noble birth”), from genus (“race, stock”).
adj
- Noble in behaviour or actions; principled, not petty; kind, magnanimous.e.g.“Thank you for your generous words.”
- Willing to give and share unsparingly; showing a readiness to give more (especially money) than is expected or needed.e.g.“She's been extremely generous with her winnings.”
- Large; more than ample; copious.e.g.“Add a generous helping of mayonnaise.”
- Invigorating in its nature.e.g.“a generous wine”
- Of noble birth.