The Opposite(Antonym) of “magnanimous”
The antonyms of magnanimous are petty and mean-spirited. The antonyms petty and mean-spirited convey a negative or ungenerous attitude. It implies a lack of generosity, kindness, or compassion.
Explore all Antonyms of “magnanimous”
- petty
- mean-spirited
Definitions and Examples of petty, mean-spirited
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Of little importance; trivial; narrow-minded; mean-spirited.
Example
She was upset over a petty argument with her friend that seemed insignificant in retrospect.
mean-spirited
Having or showing a lack of kindness, generosity, or compassion; malicious.
Example
His mean-spirited comments hurt her feelings and made her feel unwelcome.
Key Differences: petty vs mean-spirited
- 1Petty refers to something that is of little importance or narrow-mindedness, while magnanimous refers to a generous and forgiving attitude.
- 2Mean-spirited refers to someone who lacks kindness, generosity, or compassion, while magnanimous refers to someone who is generous and forgiving.
Effective Usage of petty, mean-spirited
- 1Enhance Communication: Use petty and mean-spirited to describe negative attitudes or behaviors.
- 2Show Empathy: Incorporate antonyms in conversations to demonstrate understanding.
- 3Enrich Writing: Utilize these antonyms in narratives to create complex characters and realistic conflicts.
Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Petty refers to something of little importance or narrow-mindedness, while mean-spirited refers to a lack of kindness, generosity, or compassion. Use these words to enhance communication, show empathy in conversations, and enrich writing by creating complex characters and realistic conflicts.