Very generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person. Noble and generous in spirit, particularly when one could choose to be vengeful or petty.
From Latin 'magnanimus' meaning 'great-souled,' from 'magnus' (great) and 'animus' (soul, mind). The word entered English in the 16th century, carrying the classical virtue of noble generosity and forgiveness.
Think 'magnificent' + 'unanimous' = magnanimous! It's about having such a magnificent soul that you can unanimously choose generosity over revenge. A magnanimous winner doesn't gloat; a magnanimous leader forgives rather than punishes.
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