generous

The story

1. Latin · derived fromgenerōsus“of noble birth”
2. Middle French · derived fromgenereux
3. English todaygenerous

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

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. Noble in behaviour or actions; principled, not petty; kind, magnanimous.
• from 17th c. Willing to give and share unsparingly; showing a readiness to give more (especially money) than is expected or needed.
• from 17th c. Large; more than ample; copious.
• 16th–19th c. Of noble birth.