longanimity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Theological
Quick answer
What does “longanimity” mean?
Patience, forbearance, or endurance in the face of provocation, adversity, or suffering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Patience, forbearance, or endurance in the face of provocation, adversity, or suffering; the quality of being long-suffering.
A calm, uncomplaining, and steadfast endurance of hardship, delay, or injustice over a long period, often with a connotation of moral or spiritual strength.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in British theological or historical texts, but this is a marginal distinction.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary usage in both regions, primarily found in formal writing or specific domains like theology.
Grammar
How to Use “longanimity” in a Sentence
[Subject] showed remarkable longanimity in the face of [adversity].Her longanimity during the ordeal was an example to us all.The virtue of longanimity is often praised.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “longanimity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb form does not exist. One must use phrases like 'to bear with longanimity'.
American English
- The verb form does not exist. One must use phrases like 'to endure with longanimity'.
adverb
British English
- The adverb 'longanimously' is theoretically possible but virtually unattested in usage.
American English
- The adverb 'longanimously' is theoretically possible but virtually unattested in usage.
adjective
British English
- The related adjective is 'longanimous', though it is even rarer. 'He was a longanimous leader during the crisis.'
American English
- The related adjective is 'longanimous', though it is even rarer. 'She displayed a longanimous attitude throughout the negotiations.'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. 'Patience' or 'forbearance' would be standard.
Academic
May appear in theological, philosophical, or historical studies discussing virtues.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used or understood by most speakers.
Technical
Not applicable in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “longanimity”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “longanimity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “longanimity”
- Misspelling as 'longaniminity' or 'longanimaty'.
- Using it in casual conversation where it will sound pretentious or obscure.
- Confusing it with 'magnanimity' (generosity of spirit).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word. Most native speakers would not know it or use it in everyday conversation.
'Longanimity' is a more specific, elevated term implying patient endurance over a *long* period, often in the face of severe trial, and carries a stronger moral or spiritual connotation. 'Patience' is the general, common term.
Yes, but only in specific fields like theology, philosophy, or classical studies where the precise nuance is required. In most other academic contexts, 'forbearance' or 'patient endurance' would be clearer and more standard.
No, there is no direct verb form. You must use a phrase like 'to show longanimity', 'to exercise longanimity', or 'to bear something with longanimity'.
Patience, forbearance, or endurance in the face of provocation, adversity, or suffering.
Longanimity is usually formal, literary, theological in register.
Longanimity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlɒŋɡəˈnɪmɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlɑːŋɡəˈnɪmɪti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bear with longanimity”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'LONG' + 'ANIMITY' (from Latin 'animus' for spirit/mind). It means having a 'long spirit' – the ability to keep your spirit calm for a long time under difficulty.
Conceptual Metaphor
PATIENCE IS A DEEP CONTAINER ("a well of longanimity"), ENDURANCE IS LENGTH ("long-suffering").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'longanimity' MOST likely to be found?