Word of the day: Largesse

Largesse

[lahr-JESS]

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Old French, 13th century

Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.

Examples of largesse in a sentence

"I traveled to Europe when I was a student thanks to my uncle’s largesse."

"The town completely renovated its community center and arena through the largesse of an anonymous donor."

About Largesse

“Largesse” is based on an Old French word, which was based on the Latin “largus,” meaning “abundant.”

Did you Know?

Some celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey, are so committed to giving to others and building philanthropic causes that they’re almost better known for their largesse than for their work as entertainers. Singer Rihanna is emblematic of this kind of generosity: She has given millions to fund climate-change research as well as to education and health care for people living in poverty. However, other celebrities are known for a more personal kind of largesse, stories of which spread as internet legends. For example, Keanu Reeves has made a name for himself as a nice guy who’s friendly to those who encounter him in person and quick to help out struggling individuals. (He also donated roughly 70% of his pay from “The Matrix” to cancer research.)