Largesse is generous giving, especially by someone wealthy or powerful who shares their resources freely with others. When a philanthropist donates millions to build a new library, that's largesse. When a successful business owner treats the entire company to a lavish holiday party, she's displaying largesse.

The word carries a sense of abundance and grand generosity. Largesse means giving on a scale that shows both resources and a generous spirit. A king in medieval times might display largesse by throwing gold coins to crowds during celebrations, or by hosting enormous feasts for thousands of people.

Today, we still use largesse to describe impressive acts of generosity. A tech entrepreneur who funds scholarships for hundreds of students is showing largesse. A wealthy neighbor who anonymously pays off medical bills for families in need is practicing largesse.

Sometimes largesse can have a slightly complicated feeling to it. While the giving is real, the word can suggest that the giver enjoys the attention or power that comes from being so generous. There's a difference between quiet charity and largesse: largesse is usually visible, memorable, and meant to be noticed.