Word
generously
Phoneticsgen·er·ous·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒɛnɝəsɫi/
UK/dʒˈɛnəɹəsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that shows you are happy to give more money, help, or time than is expected. It can also mean using a large amount of something, like putting a lot of butter on bread.
adv. in a manner characterized by a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary or expected. Often describes the liberal application of a substance or the selfless distribution of resources.
Examples
“She donated generously to the local animal shelter.”
“The chef instructed us to spread the sauce generously over the base of the pizza before adding the cheese.”
“The foundation has generously supported the arts for decades, ensuring that even the smallest community galleries have the funding required to host international exhibitions.”
Examples
simple
“She donated generously to the local animal shelter.”
contextual
“The chef instructed us to spread the sauce generously over the base of the pizza before adding the cheese.”
complex
“The foundation has generously supported the arts for decades, ensuring that even the smallest community galleries have the funding required to host international exhibitions.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“It was really rewarding to have so many people respond to the books and the story so generously.” “He did not address Thomas's case directly but said "the government believes the rules should be applied generously".” Etymology
From generous + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/generously