magnanimity

thumb|The magnanimity of Alexander the Great|Alexander towards the captive Porus.

Magnanimity (from Latin , from "big" + "soul, spirit") is the virtue of being great of mind and heart. It encompasses, usually, a refusal to be petty, a willingness to face danger, and actions for noble purposes. Its antithesis is pusillanimity (Latin: ). Although the word magnanimity has a traditional connection to Aristotelian philosophy, it also has its own tradition in English which now causes some confusion.