Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day is magnanimous, an adjective. It describes someone who has or shows a generous and kind nature. An example shows a person being too magnanimous to resent unkind words. Another quote advises being forgiving if others make mistakes. The word's roots offer insight into its meaning. The Latin word "animus" relates to spirit or breath. "Magnus" is Latin for great. Therefore, magnanimous essentially means "greatness of spirit." This is the opposite of selfishness. A magnanimous person can lose without complaint and win without boasting.