generosity
jehn-uh-ROS-ih-tee
Generosity (noun) means Willingness to give freely, whether money, time, or help, without expecting anything back. Example: “Her generosity paid for the entire school trip.”
noun
1
Willingness to give freely, whether money, time, or help, without expecting anything back.
"Her generosity paid for the entire school trip."
"The charity relies on the generosity of local donors."
"We were touched by the generosity of the neighbours who brought us meals."
2
A specific act of giving generously.
"Buying the whole team lunch was a real generosity on his part."
How to use generosity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing freely willing to give money, time, or help to others.
Common pairings
show generosity
act of generosity
overwhelming generosity
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Word forms
- Plural
- generosities
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Her _____ paid for the entire school trip.
Etymology
From Latin generositas, from generosus ("of noble birth", later "noble in character") — the sense shifted from noble birth to noble, giving behaviour.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
stinginess
Related words
Rhymes for generosity
See all rhymes for generosity →Frequently asked questions
What does “generosity” mean?
The word “generosity” means willingness to give freely, whether money, time, or help, without expecting anything back. In plain terms, being freely willing to give money, time, or help to others.
How do you pronounce “generosity”?
“Generosity” is pronounced jehn-uh-ROS-ih-tee (/ˌd͡ʒɛn.əˈɹɑ.sə.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “generosity” in a sentence?
Here is “generosity” used in a sentence: “Her generosity paid for the entire school trip.”
What part of speech is “generosity”?
“Generosity” is a noun.
Where does the word “generosity” come from?
The word “generosity” comes from Latin. From Latin generositas, from generosus ("of noble birth", later "noble in character") — the sense shifted from noble birth to noble, giving behaviour.
Is “generosity” a common word?
“Generosity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “generosity” have?
“Generosity” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: willingness to give freely, whether money, time, or help, without expecting anything back.
What is the difference between generosity and charity?
Generosity is the personal quality or willingness to give freely of money, time, or help without expecting anything in return, while charity usually refers to organized giving of money or aid to people in need. A person can act generously toward a friend without it counting as charity, since charity typically implies helping the needy specifically.
What is the difference between generosity and kindness?
Generosity specifically involves giving something of value, such as money, time, or help, while kindness is a broader quality that can be shown through words, attitude, or small gestures without any material giving. All generosity is a form of kindness, but not all kindness involves generosity.
Can generosity refer to a single action rather than a personality trait?
Yes. Besides describing a general willingness to give, generosity can also refer to one specific act of giving generously, such as a donation or a generous gesture. Context usually makes clear whether the word points to a lasting character trait or a one-off act.
What are common collocations with generosity?
Common phrases include "an act of generosity," "show generosity," "overwhelmed by someone's generosity," and "generosity of spirit." These reflect both the general personal quality and specific instances of generous giving.
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