Words / B2

JEN-uh-r-uh-slee/ˈdʒenərəsli/

Generously means in a way that gives more money, help, or time than is usual, or in a large amount: give generously; generously sized. Generous is the adjective (already in the dictionary); liberally is a close twin for amount. The trust gave generously; still quote the £ figure. Mix-up: generally (already related); genius. Do not write generously for a mean, token gift with no extra in the source.

Meaning

In a way that gives more money, help, or time than is usual; also in large amount.

Examples

• “The trust gave generously, the minutes said; still quote the £ figure.”
• “The portions were generously sized in the trial, which is the plentiful-amount sense.”

Good to know

give / donate generously; generously + adjective. Adjective: generous. Close: liberally. Trap: generally. Accounts, news, and food tests. In a giving or plentiful way, not “quite a lot” with no evidence.

Near in meaning

liberally, kindly, ungrudgingly

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