generosity etymology

Etymology:

• From Middle English generosité, from Old French generosité, from Latin generōsĭtās ("nobility of birth or character"), from generōsus ("noble"), from genus ("race, family").

Meaning:

• The quality of being generous, especially in giving freely or in bestowing.
• Disposition to give or share without reluctance.
• Abundance or liberality.

Origin:

The Latin word genus (race, family) originally referred to the social class belonging to a particular family line. In ancient Rome, the patrician class, who held the most power and wealth, were considered to be the most generōsus.

Over time, the meaning of generōsĭtās expanded to include not only nobility of birth but also qualities such as courage, selflessness, and liberality. These qualities were considered to be inherent in the best of Roman citizens, and it was believed that they should be cultivated through education and experience.

By the Middle Ages, the word generosité had come to refer specifically to the quality of being generous in giving or bestowing. It was considered to be a virtue that was essential for a true Christian, and it was often contrasted with the vices of greed and selfishness.

generosity relate terms

• generous

  Etymology From Middle English generous from Old French generos from Latin generosus

• frugality

  Etymology The word frugality comes from the Latin word frugalitas which means thri

• bounty

  Etymology Middle English bounte from Anglo Norman French bunte bounte from Latin bo

• beneficiary

  Etymology The word beneficiary is derived from the Latin beneficium which means be

• magnanimity

  Etymology Magnanimity comes from the Latin word magnanimitas derived from magnus

• chivalry

  Etymology The word chivalry is derived from the Old French word chevalerie which in

• courtesy

  Etymology The word courtesy comes from the Old French word courtoisie which in turn

• ingenuity

  Etymology The word ingenuity is derived from the Latin word ingenium which means na

• mantle

  Etymology The word mantle derives from the Middle English term mantel which origina

• sphere

  Etymology The word sphere comes from the Latin word sphaera which in turn comes from

• wine

  Etymology The word wine originates from the Latin word vinum which is believed to ha