different between generous vs eleemosynary

English

Etymology

From Middle French genereux, and its source, Latin gener?sus (“of noble birth”), from genus (“race, stock”).

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /?d??n(?)??s/

Adjective

generous (comparative more generous, superlative most generous)

1. Noble in behaviour or actions; principled, not petty; kind, magnanimous. [from 16th c.]

   Thank you for your generous words.

2. Willing to give and share unsparingly; showing a readiness to give more (especially money) than is expected or needed. [from 17th c.]

   She's been extremely generous with her winnings.

3. Large, more than ample, copious. [from 17th c.]

   Add a generous helping of mayonnaise.

4. Invigorating in its nature.

   a generous wine

5. (obsolete) Of noble birth. [16th-19th c.]

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:generous

Related terms

• generosity

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• eleëmosynary (diaeretic)

Etymology

From Medieval Latin eleemosynarius (“alms dispenser”), from Late Latin eleemosyna (“alms”), from Ancient Greek ?????????? (ele?mosún?, “alms”), from ????? (eleé?, “I have mercy”), from ????? (éleos, “pity”). Compare Italian elemosina. Doublet of alms.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??l.?.i??m?.s?.n?.?i/
• (US) IPA^(key): /??l.??m??.s?.n??.i/, /??l.??m??.z?.n??.i/, /??l.i.??m??.s?.n??.i/, /??l.i.??m??.z?.n??.i/

Adjective

eleemosynary (comparative more eleemosynary, superlative most eleemosynary)

1. Relating to charity, alms, or almsgiving.
   • 1918, Christopher Morley, "Owd Bob" in Mince Pie:

     He did some work for the New York Public Library . . . and also dabbled in eleemosynary science for the Russell Sage Foundation.

2. Given in charity or alms; having the nature of alms
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Book I ch i:

     An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money.

   • 1791, James Boswell, Life of Johnson, Aetat. 22:

     His spirited refusal of an eleemosynary supply of shoes, arose, no doubt, from a proper pride.

   • 1892, Walt Whitman, "To the Pending Year" in Leaves of Grass:

     Crouch low thy neck to eleemosynary gifts.

3. Supported by charity
   • 1991, Washington Post, October 27:

     Amidst all this, the legal business, the acquiring of land, the construction of the Montgomery Block, Billings had generosity and time to support the founding of the University of California and a half dozen churches, schools, orphan asylums and other eleemosynary institutions.

Usage notes

A formal, literary word; in everyday use charitable is used instead.

Synonyms

• charitable

Translations

Noun

eleemosynary (plural eleemosynaries)

1. (obsolete) A beggar

Related terms

• eleemosynate
• eleemosynous