Reading Theme:
Generous: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：willing to share (generous)
generous
/ˈdʒen(ə)rəs/
adj.
Willing to share money or things with others, not being stingy.
willing to share
➕
/ˈwɪlɪŋ tə ʃeər/
adj.
Describes a person who is ready and happy to give their money, time, or possessions to help others, without being selfish or stingy.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'generosus' (of noble birth), from 'genus' (race, kind).
💡 Mnemonic
GENEROUS sounds like 'generates' US (money) - someone who generates money for others.
📖 Example
My grandfather is always generous with my allowance, giving me more than I ask for.
My grandfather consistently shows a readiness to share by giving me a larger allowance than I request.
🔗 Collocations
generous with money – Willing to give or spend money freely
generous donation – A large and willing gift of money to a cause
generous portion – An ample or large serving of food
🔄 Synonyms
charitable (adj.) – Generous in giving to those in need, often through organized aid.
liberal (adj.) – Given or used generously; plentiful.
munificent (adj.) – Larger or more generous than is usual or necessary.
🚫 Antonyms
stingy (adj.) – Unwilling to give or spend; ungenerous.
miserly (adj.) – Obsessively saving money and unwilling to spend it.
tight-fisted (adj.) – Not willing to spend or give much money; mean.
🌱 Derivatives
generosity (n.) – The quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish; willingness to give.
generously (adv.) – In a way that shows a readiness to give more of something than is strictly necessary.
📖 Cultural Story
In ancient Rome, 'generosus' described nobility of birth. Over time, it evolved to mean nobility of character—being magnanimous, kind, and, by the 16th century, specifically open-handed with money.
Meaning 2：forgiving and kind (generous)
generous
/ˈdʒen(ə)rəs/
adj.
Not minding others' mistakes or shortcomings, having a big heart.
forgiving and kind
➕
/fəˈɡɪvɪŋ ənd kaɪnd/
adj.
Describes an attitude that is kind, understanding, and not petty; willing to forgive mistakes or overlook faults.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My boss was generous in his forgiveness, not getting angry even when my colleague lost an important file.
My boss displayed a kind and forgiving nature by not showing anger over my colleague's mistake of losing a key file.
🔗 Collocations
generous spirit – A kind and forgiving nature or attitude
generous in victory – Being kind and respectful to opponents after winning
🔄 Synonyms
magnanimous (adj.) – Generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person.
benevolent (adj.) – Well meaning and kindly; showing kindness.
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser