English Reference
adjective

generous

adj.
US /ˈdʒɛnɝəs/ UK /dʒˈɛnəɹəs/ gen·er·ous

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    willing to give more money, help, or time than is usual or expected.

    willing to give or share unsparingly; demonstrating a readiness to provide more than is strictly required.

    Simple

    It was very generous of you to pay for everyone's dinner tonight.

    In context

    The local community was incredibly generous, donating enough money to rebuild the youth centre within just three months.

    charitablegivingmagnanimous
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    larger or more plentiful than usual.

    larger, more ample, or more copious than is standard or necessary.

    Simple

    The hotel served a generous breakfast with eggs, fruit, and fresh bread.

    In context

    The chef added a generous portion of herbs to the sauce, giving the dish a rich and complex flavour profile.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    kind and forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.

    noble in behaviour or spirit; showing a lack of pettiness or resentment.

    Simple

    He was generous enough to admit that his opponent had played a better game.

    In context

    Despite the harsh criticism he received, the author remained generous in his praise for the younger generation of writers.


From Middle French genereux, and its source, Latin generōsus (“of noble birth”), from genus (“race, stock”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin generōsus
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated