largess

UK: lɑːˈʒes | US: lɑːrˈʒes

Definition

  1. n. 1. Generosity in bestowing gifts or money.

  2. n. 2. The gifts or money given generously.

Structure
large <generous>ess <noun suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Old French largesse, meaning "liberality," which traces back to Latin largus (abundant, generous). The suffix -ess was added to form a noun denoting the quality or act of giving freely. Over time, the word evolved in English to emphasize both the spirit of generosity and the material gifts themselves.

Examples

  1. The king's largess ensured the loyalty of his subjects.

  2. She distributed her wealth with unexpected largess.

  3. The festival was funded by the largess of local donors.

  4. His reputation for largess made him beloved in the community.

  5. The university benefited from the alumni's largess.