BharatNotes Magnanimous
adjectiveUsage in a UPSC answer
A mature democracy is judged not by the severity of the victor but by the magnanimous restraint with which a ruling majority accommodates the dissent and dignity of the defeated, for it is generosity in power, rather than its mere exercise, that secures lasting legitimacy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
magnanimously (adv), magnanimity (n), magnanimousness (n)
Root
Latin magnus = great (PIE meg-) + animus = mind, soul, spirit → magnanimus = great-souled
Etymology
From Latin magnanimus 'high-minded, great-souled', from magnus 'great' (PIE root *meg- 'great') + animus 'mind, soul, spirit'; English use dates from the 1580s.
Memory Hook
Magna ("great", as in Magna Carta) + animus ("soul") = a "great soul" - a person too big-hearted to stoop to petty revenge. Think of a "magnanimous" winner who is too magnificent to gloat.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
Generous or forgiving, particularly toward a rival or someone in a weaker position. In GS4 it is a leadership virtue with a specific shape: magnanimity is generosity exercised from a position of strength, which is what distinguishes it from mere kindness. It matters in administration because a superior who can acknowledge a subordinate's contribution, or accept criticism without retaliation, sets the ethical climate of the whole office.
Don’t Confuse It With
Magnanimous is generous from a position of strength, especially toward a rival. Benevolent wishes others well generally. Forgiving releases a specific wrong. Condescending is the failure mode, where apparent generosity communicates superiority instead.
Hindi Meaning
उदार (udār) or उदारचित्त (udārchitt).
Common Questions
- What does magnanimous mean?
- Generous or forgiving, particularly toward a rival or someone in a weaker position.
- Why is magnanimity considered a leadership virtue?
- Because a leader who acknowledges others' contributions and accepts criticism without retaliation shapes the ethical climate of the whole organisation.
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