magnanimous
- Generously forgiving, noble, or fair-minded, especially toward a rival or someone who has done you wrong.
In a sentence
- After winning the championship, she was magnanimous in victory, praising her opponent's skill and effort.
- The magnanimous donor gave the entire prize money to the hospital without seeking any recognition.
Usage note. Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe gracious behavior after a win or conflict; pair it with 'in victory' or 'in defeat' for a natural collocation.
Where it comes from
English magnanimous · entered English 16th c.
From Latin 'magnanimus', composed of 'magnus' (great) and 'animus' (soul, spirit). The Latin term was itself modeled on Greek 'megalópsychos'. The word entered English in the 16th century.