What does "magnanimous" mean? The great-souled virtue, explained
From the Latin for "great-souled" to Aristotle's crown of the virtues: what magnanimity means, how it differs from generosity, and how to use the word.
3 guides · Updated October 2026
Magnanimity
The word this site is named for. Magnanimity is greatness of spirit — the generosity that shows up when it would be easy not to bother.
Famous magnanimous acts in history and sports
Nine documented moments when someone with the upper hand chose generosity of spirit — from Appomattox to a shared Olympic gold.
How to win and lose graciously
Scripts for what to say after a win or a loss, sideline habits for sports parents, and how gracious competition carries over to work and game night.
Why a whole section on one word?
Magnanimous comes from the Latin for "great-souled." It names a kind of generosity that isn't about money: forgiving a rival, sharing credit, offering terms that let the other side keep its dignity. It's the virtue people tend to notice most in moments of victory or power, when nobody would blame you for gloating.
Start with what magnanimous means, then read the examples from history and sport, and finish with the practical guide to winning and losing graciously.
Explore the other sections
Giving smart
Statistics, charity vetting, taxes, donor-advised funds and getting more good from every dollar.
7 guides →Food & community
Food banks, food drives, sharing surplus safely and showing up for neighbors with a meal.
4 guides →Everyday generosity
Kindness ideas, volunteering, tipping, generosity at work and with kids, and the science behind it.
6 guides →