munificent

Forms

munificent (feminine munificente, masculine plural munificents, feminine plural munificentes)^[1]

Etymology

It is a back-formation from French munificence.^[2][3][1] The noun (1355) is borrowed from Latin mūnificentia (“generosity, largesse”), from mūnificus (“liberal, generous”), a compound of mūnus (“duty, office, gift”).^[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

It is first recorded in 1840, in the supplement to the Académie's dictionary (published 1842), meaning “given to great liberality”.^[2][4]

Semantic evolution

Munificent took over from the older munifique, used from the 16th century to about 1700, which had represented the Latin adjective.^[3] Besides persons, it is also said of things, as a synonym of généreux; an adverb munificemment occurs once.^[2] It is a literary word.^[5][4]

Timeline

• 1355 – The base noun munificence is borrowed from Latin.^[3]
• 1840 – Munificent is first recorded, in the Académie's supplement.^[2][6]

Meanings

Adjective

1. (literary) Of a person, very generous, given to great liberality: un mécène munificent.^[5][2]
2. (literary) Of a thing, generous, lavish.^[2]

Related words

• munificence
• Latin mūnificentia
• English munificent

References

1. ^ a b c Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
2. ^ a b c d e f Trésor de la langue française informatisé (2004), ATILF – CNRS & Université de Lorraine, atilf.fr/tlfi; electronic version of Imbs, Paul; Quemada, Bernard, eds. (1971–1994), Trésor de la langue française, Paris: CNRS / Gallimard
3. ^ a b c d Rey, Alain, ed. (1992), Dictionnaire historique de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
4. ^ a b Guilbert, Louis; Lagane, René; Niobey, Georges, eds. (1971–1978; 1989), Grand Larousse de la langue française, Paris: Larousse
5. ^ a b Rey-Debove, Josette; Rey, Alain, eds. (2007), Le Petit Robert de la langue française, Paris: Le Robert
6. ^ Rey, Alain, ed. (2005), Le Grand Robert de la langue française, electronic version, Paris: Le Robert