- magnanimity
- mid-14c., "loftiness of thought or purpose," from O.Fr. magnanimite "high-mindedness," from L. magnanimitatem (nom. magnanimitas) "greatness of soul, high-mindedness," from magnanimus "having a great soul," from magnus "great" (see magnate) + animus "mind, soul, spirit." Probably a loan-translation of Gk. megalopsychos "high-souled, generous" (Aristotle) or megathymus "great-hearted."