Words / C1

jen-uh-ROS-uh-tee/ˌdʒenəˈrɒsəti/

Generosity is giving more than is strictly required — money, time, attention, or judgement: generosity of spirit, an act of generosity. Generous (already in the dictionary) is the adjective; kindness is wider; meanness sits opposite. Biscuits are not night cover.

Meaning

The quality of giving more than is strictly required, in money, time, or judgement.

Examples

• “Generosity with biscuits is not generosity with cover on the night shift.”
• “Kindness is everyday and wider. Charity can be organised giving. Generous is already in this course. Catering is hospitality. A named spare is resource. Fund the shift; keep the biscuits as extras.”

Good to know

Giving more than the minimum. Adjective: generous (already in the dictionary). Contrast: meanness. Catering ≠ night cover.

Near in meaning

kindness

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