Make Your Point > Archived Issues > MAGNANIMOUS

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"MAGNANIMOUS" Pronunciation: mag NAN uh muss Part of speech: Adjective. (Adjectives are describing words, like “large” or “late.” They can be used in two ways: 1. Right before a noun, as in “a magnanimous man.” 2. After a linking verb, as in "The man was magnanimous.”) Meaning: "Magnanimous" literally means "big-spirited." Someone or something magnanimous has a generous spirit and is willing to forgive. Other forms: magnanimously, magnanimity ("mag nuh NIM ut ee"), magnanimousness (but I prefer "magnanimity" when you need a noun--it sounds nicer than "magnanimousness") How to use it: Talk about a magnanimous person or group of people, a magnanimous spirit or nature, a magnanimous gesture or decision, a magnanimous statement or speech, a magnanimous sacrifice, and so on. You can be magnanimous to or toward or with someone, or be magnanimous in something: "He remains magnanimous toward his detractors." "The players were magnanimous in their defeat." I get angry all over again when I remember malicious things said about me, but Chad is too magnanimous to brood over past insults. Shouting "YEAH! IN YO' FACE!" is not exactly the magnanimity in victory that we were hoping you would display. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "magnanimous” means when you can explain it without saying “not resentful" or “quick to forgive." Think of someone you admire for being noble, someone who always takes the high road and is kind to others, and fill in the blanks: "(Person) somehow remains magnanimous about (insulting or annoying situation.)" Example: "Mr. Chung somehow remains magnanimous about clients who fail to show up for their appointments." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: Our game for May is:  “What Do These Words Have in Common?” The three words given will have something specific in common. (More than one right answer might be possible, but I've only got one particular answer in mind for each set of words.) I've arranged the questions from easiest to hardest, so today’s should be moderately difficult. By the end of the month, expect some whoppers.   From yesterday: What do these words have in common?: cosmonaut, mammoth, intelligentsia Answer: All are words borrowed from Russian. Try this one today: treble, tertiary, tern A Point Well Made: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, talking about writing: “The secret of saying something new is to be patient. If one reacts too quickly, it is likely that the reaction will be superficial, a cliché.” 1. The opposite of MAGNANIMOUS is A. PETTY B. MINIMALISTIC C. AMBITIOUS 2. Not until the end of the story does _____'s heart turn magnanimous. A. the Wicked Witch B. Ebenezer Scrooge C. Romeo Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. A 2. B