Largess vs. Largesse — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 29, 2024
Largess and largesse are variants of the same term, referring to generosity in bestowing gifts.
Difference Between Largess and Largesse
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Largess, often seen in older texts, and largesse, the more commonly used form today, both denote the act of giving generously or the generous gifts themselves. These terms are used in contexts where the emphasis is on the generosity of the giver or the munificence of the gifts given. While "largess" is an alternate spelling, "largesse" has become the preferred form in contemporary usage, reflecting perhaps a desire for a connection to its French origins or simply linguistic evolution.
Both terms can apply in a wide range of contexts, from individual generosity to institutional or governmental largesse, indicating the provision of generous amounts of money, support, or other resources. Whereas "largess" might appear more frequently in historical or literary texts, emphasizing the nobility or grandeur of giving, "largesse" is used in modern discussions across social, economic, and political spheres, often to highlight significant contributions or aid.
The distinction in usage between the two forms does not change their fundamental meaning but can signal the writer's stylistic preference or the historical period being referenced. For example, when discussing the philanthropy of a historical figure, "largess" might be used to evoke a certain timelessness or grandeur. On the other hand, when analyzing contemporary philanthropic trends, "largesse" is likely the term of choice, aligning with current linguistic norms.
The choice between "largess" and "largesse" may also reflect the audience's familiarity with the term or the context in which it is used. In formal writing, "largesse" is often preferred for its clarity and contemporary relevance, while "largess" may be chosen for its old-world charm in creative writing or to maintain historical authenticity.
While "largess" and "largesse" are interchangeable in meaning, their usage can offer subtle cues about the context, period, or tone of the discussion. Writers and speakers choose between them based on stylistic preference, audience, and the desired emphasis on generosity's scope or impact.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Generosity in bestowing gifts.
Generosity in bestowing gifts.
Usage Context
Often seen in historical or literary texts.
Preferred in contemporary usage and formal discussions.
Implication
May evoke an old-world charm or historical grandeur.
Indicates modernity and is used across various contexts.
Stylistic Preference
Selected for historical authenticity or literary style.
Chosen for clarity, contemporary relevance, and formal writing.
Examples
The king’s largess was known throughout the lands.
Her largesse benefited many charitable organizations.
Compare with Definitions
Largess
The quality of being generous.
Largess was a virtue praised by his community.
Largesse
A gift given generously.
The largesse of the grant enabled the research project to continue.
Largess
A generous gift.
He received largess from the queen for his services.
Largesse
The quality or state of being generous.
She is known for her largesse towards struggling artists.
Largess
Large-scale philanthropy or giving.
The museum was built through the largess of its patrons.
Largesse
Philanthropic contributions on a large scale.
The foundation's largesse has impacted thousands.
Largess
Generosity in giving money or gifts to others.
The largess of the nobility funded many artists during the Renaissance.
Largesse
An act of giving generously.
Acts of largesse were common in his tenure as mayor.
Largess
An instance of giving generously.
The holiday season is a time for largess.
Largesse
Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.
The billionaire's largesse is well-documented.
Largess
Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially in a lofty or condescending manner.
Largesse
Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially in a lofty or condescending manner.
Largess
Money or gifts bestowed.
Largesse
Money or gifts bestowed.
Largess
Generosity of spirit or attitude.
Largesse
Generosity of spirit or attitude.
Largess
Alternative spelling of largesse
Largesse
(uncountable)
Largess
Liberality; generosity; bounty.
Fulfilled of largesse and of all grace.
Largesse
The trait of being willing to donate money, resources, or time; generosity, liberality.
Largess
A present; a gift; a bounty bestowed.
The heralds finished their proclamation with their usual cry of "Largesse, largesse, gallant knights!" and gold and silver pieces were showered on them from the galleries.
Largesse
Often preceded by do, give, or make: the generous or liberal giving of gifts or money, especially by someone of high standing on a special occasion; also, excessive or wasteful giving.
Largess
A gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously
Largesse
Money, etc., given in this way.
Largess
Liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit
Largesse
(figuratively) Abundance of something (chiefly beneficial), regarded as having been given generously.
Largesse
(obsolete) Chiefly in the form at one's largesse: freedom or liberty to act.
Largesse
(countable)
Largesse
An act of donating or giving generously.
Largesse
A specific gift of money, etc., given in this way, specifically (historical) at harvest time; a donation, a gratuity.
Largesse
A gift or money given (as for service or out of benevolence); usually given ostentatiously
Largesse
Liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit
Common Curiosities
Are largess and largesse interchangeable?
Yes, largess and largesse are interchangeable, both referring to generosity in giving.
How does the use of largess or largesse reflect on the writer or speaker?
The choice can reflect stylistic preference, the desire to evoke a certain period or tone, or adherence to contemporary linguistic norms.
Is there a preference for using largess or largesse in academic writing?
In academic writing, "largesse" is generally preferred for its contemporary relevance and clarity.
How do largess and largesse relate to philanthropy?
They are often used to describe acts of philanthropy, emphasizing the generosity of the donor or the scale of the donation.
Can the term largesse be used politically?
Yes, it can describe government spending or aid packages, often with implications about the motivations or impact of such generosity.
Is largess/largesse always positive?
While generally positive, in some contexts, it can be critiqued if it implies dependency or obscures underlying issues of inequality.
Is it possible to measure largess or largesse?
While difficult to quantify in emotional impact, the tangible aspects, like monetary value or hours volunteered, can be measured.
Can largess/largesse refer to non-monetary gifts?
Absolutely, they can refer to generosity in any form, including time, effort, or non-monetary gifts.
Does the use of largess or largesse vary by country?
While usage trends can vary, "largesse" is generally the preferred term in most English-speaking countries today.
Do historical periods influence the preference for largess or largesse?
Yes, "largess" may be preferred in texts or discussions about historical periods for stylistic or authenticity reasons.
Which is more commonly used, largess or largesse?
Largesse is more commonly used in contemporary language and formal writing.
What is the significance of largess or largesse in society?
It highlights the importance of generosity in fostering community, supporting the needy, and advancing societal well-being.
Can organizations display largesse?
Yes, organizations can display largesse through charitable donations, sponsorships, and support for community projects.
How is largesse reflected in cultural practices?
Cultural practices of giving and charity often embody largesse, reflecting values of generosity and community support.
How can individuals practice largesse in everyday life?
By being generous with their time, resources, and support to others, whether through small acts of kindness or organized charity.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
