generous

adjective

JEN-uh-rus/ˈd͡ʒɛn(ə)ɹəs/

5 meanings of generous

1
adjective
Happy to give money, time, or things to others, often more than they expect or need.
Like someone who cuts a sandwich in half and gives you the bigger piece.
My aunt is generous and always brings gifts when she visits.
He left a generous tip for the waiter even though the meal was cheap.
Similarbountiful, free
Oppositestingy, mean, miserly, selfish
2
adjective
Larger or more than is usual or needed.
The cook gave me a generous serving of rice.
Leave a generous space between the plants so they have room to grow.
Similarample, large, liberal, plentiful, lavish
Oppositemeager, small, skimpy, scant
Note
3
adjective
Kind and fair, choosing to act in a noble way and not in a small or mean way.
Like a winner who stops to help the loser get up after the race.
It was generous of her to forgive him so quickly.
After losing the match, the captain was generous and said the other team played well.
Similarmagnanimous, gracious, charitable, noble, kind
Oppositepetty, mean, small-minded, uncharitable
Note
4
adjective
Strong and warming, giving the body new energy.
After the cold walk, a cup of generous wine warmed us quickly.
Grandmother's hot broth was generous and brought color back to the sick boy's face.
Similarinvigorating, restorative, rich, strong
Oppositethin, weak

Less common meaning

5
adjectiveobsolete
Born into a noble family of high rank.
The knight was generous by birth, the son of an old and noble house.
Only young men of generous blood could serve as the king's pages.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin generosus, meaning "of noble birth," which came from genus, meaning "race" or "stock." It reached English through Middle French genereux.