— generously , adv. — generousness , n.
/jen"euhr euhs/ , adj.
1. liberal in giving or sharing; unselfish: a generous patron of the arts; a generous gift.
2. free from meanness or smallness of mind or character; magnanimous.
3. large; abundant; ample: a generous portion of pie.
4. rich or strong in flavor: a generous wine.
5. fertile; prolific: generous soil.
[ 1580-90; généreux generosus of noble birth, equiv. to gener- (see GENDER 2 ) + -osus -OUS ]
Syn. 1. open-handed, free, unstinting. GENEROUS, CHARITABLE, LIBERAL, BOUNTIFUL, MUNIFICENT all describe persons who give to others something of value, or the acts of such persons. GENEROUS stresses the warm and sympathetic nature of the giver: a generous gift; generous in praise of the work of others. CHARITABLE places stress on both the goodness and kindness of the giver and the indigence or need of the receiver: charitable assistance to the needy; a charitable person, always willing to help those less fortunate than herself. LIBERAL, in this connection, emphasizes the size of the gift, the largesse and openhandedness of the giver: a liberal contribution to the endowment fund.
BOUNTIFUL implies effusive, unstinted giving and a sense of abundance or plenty: bountiful and unrestricted support for the museum; a bountiful return for his efforts. MUNIFICENT refers to gifts or awards so large and striking as to evoke amazement or admiration: a life income, a truly munificent reward for his loyalty; a munificent contribution, larger by far than any other. 2. high-minded, noble, big. 3. plentiful, copious. 5. fruitful.
Ant. 1. selfish. 2. mean. 3. meager. 5. barren.