VocabDictionary

largesse

/lɑːrˈdʒɛs/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others; the money or gifts so bestowed.

Example Sentences:
  • The charity was able to continue its work thanks to the largesse of several wealthy donors.
  • The politician's sudden largesse toward the local community was viewed by many as a transparent attempt to buy votes.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “largesse”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'largesse', meaning 'generosity' or 'bounty', which itself traces back to the Latin 'largus', meaning 'abundant' or 'copious'. It entered Middle English in the 13th century, originally referring to the act of giving gifts or money, particularly by a person of high rank to those of lower status.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of 'large' + 'mess': A person with a 'large' amount of money makes a 'mess' of it by giving it away freely to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About “largesse

1. What is the meaning of “largesse” in English?

In English, largesse (noun) is defined as: “Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others; the money or gifts so bestowed.”.

2. How do you use “largesse” in a sentence?

The charity was able to continue its work thanks to the largesse of several wealthy donors.

3. What are English synonyms of “largesse”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “largesse”?

Derived from the Old French 'largesse', meaning 'generosity' or 'bounty', which itself traces back to the Latin 'largus', meaning 'abundant' or 'copious'. It entered Middle English in the 13th century, originally referring to the act of giving gifts or money, particularly by a person of high rank to those of lower status.