magnanimous

the word magnanimous is a direct borrowing from latin magnanimus, itself a compound of magnus ("great") and animus ("spirit, soul"). it entered english in the mid-16th century, carrying the classical notion of possessing a "great soul" or elevated character. this literal sense evolved to describe someone who is noble and courageous in spirit, which in practical behavior manifests as generosity and a lack of pettiness, especially toward those one could easily despise or crush. thus, the logic of the word moves from the concrete components "great" + "spirit" to the abstract qualities of high-mindedness and graciousness.

Structure: magn (great) + anim (spirit) + ous (adjective suffix) magn is from latin magnus meaning "great". anim is from latin animus meaning "mind, spirit, soul". ous is an english adjective-forming suffix from latin -osus meaning "full of".