ˌmagnəˈniməd.ē, ˌmaig-, -mətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English magnanimite, from Middle French magnanimité, from Latin magnanimitat-, magnanimitas, from magnanimus + -itat-, -itas -ity
1.
a. : a loftiness of spirit enabling one to sustain danger and trouble with tranquillity, firmness, and courage
can bear whatever happens with manlike magnanimity — James Harris
was not wanting in a sense of the magnanimity of warriors — Walter Pater
b. archaic : a loftiness of ambition and outlook
that magnanimity of soul which delights in bold enterprises — William Robertson †1793
2.
a. : a nobility of feeling that is superior to meanness, pettiness, or jealousy and that disdains revenge or retaliation : generosity of mind
nothing pays richer dividends than magnanimity — W.E.Binkley
an opportunity for magnanimity … to unite a country that seems at times to be hopelessly divided — M.W.Childs
magnanimity , which was her chosen attitude, was often a strain to her — Mary Austin
b. : an instance of magnanimity — usually used in plural
all her thoughts may like the linnet be … dispensing round their magnanimities of sound — W.B.Yeats