generosity

noun

gen·​er·​os·​i·​ty ˌje-nə-ˈrä-sə-tē How to pronounce generosity (audio)
-ˈrä-stē
plural generosities
Synonyms of generosity
1
a
: the quality or fact of being generous
a person of great generosity
b
: a generous act
2
: abundance
great generosity of spirit

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When storage itself is put on display, of course, the museum is still speaking, declaring both the wealth of its holdings and its generosity in sharing them. Kelly Presutti, ARTnews.com, 26 June 2026 Perhaps subsequent history shows that his generosity of spirit was misplaced. James Traub, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 But a wiser course might be to emphasize a kind of counter-nostalgia, reclaiming a mythic past for the forces of tolerance and democratic generosity. Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 30 June 2026 Their extraordinary generosity will help ensure that even more students have safe places to learn, grow, build relationships, and see a future filled with possibility. Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for generosity

Word History

First Known Use

1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of generosity was in 1566

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Generosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generosity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

generosity

noun
plural generosities
1
: freedom in spirit or act
especially : readiness in giving
2
: a generous act
3
: an ample quantity
a generosity of spirit

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