Largess vs Largesse: Which Should You Use In Writing?

When it comes to writing, choosing the right words is essential. But what happens when two words sound alike and have similar meanings? This is the case with the words largess and largesse. While both words are correct, one is more commonly used than the other. Largess is the more commonly used word, but largesse is also acceptable.

Largess refers to generosity and giving, especially when it comes to money or gifts. It is often used to describe the actions of wealthy people who give generously to charity or to those in need. Largesse, on the other hand, also refers to generosity, but it is more commonly used to describe the act of giving in a more general sense. It can refer to any act of kindness or generosity, not just those involving money or gifts.

In this article, we will explore the differences between largess and largesse, and how they are used in different contexts. We will also look at some examples of how these words can be used in everyday writing.

Define Largess

Largess is a noun that refers to the act of giving generously or a generous gift. It is often associated with the nobility and royalty of medieval times, where it was customary for the wealthy to distribute largess to their subjects. Largess can also be used in a more general sense to describe any act of generosity or giving on a large scale.

Define Largesse

Largesse is a noun that refers to the generosity or liberal giving of gifts or money. It is often used to describe the act of giving to those in need or to a charitable cause. Largesse can also be used in a more general sense to describe any act of generosity or giving on a large scale, similar to the use of largess.

While the two terms are similar in meaning, largesse tends to be associated with more noble or charitable acts of giving, while largess is often used to describe acts of generosity from those in positions of power or wealth.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using the words largess and largesse, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they can be used in a sentence. Both words have similar definitions, but there are subtle differences that can affect their usage. In this section, we’ll explore how to properly use largess and largesse in a sentence.

How To Use Largess In A Sentence

Largess is a noun that refers to generosity or the act of giving. It’s often used to describe a person or organization that gives generously to others. Here are some examples of how to use largess in a sentence:

• His largess towards the homeless shelter was greatly appreciated.
• The company’s largess in donating to charity helped to improve its reputation.
• She showed her largess by giving a large sum of money to the local animal shelter.

As you can see from these examples, largess is typically used to describe an act of giving or generosity. It’s often used in a positive context and can be used to describe individuals, organizations, or even governments.

How To Use Largesse In A Sentence

Largesse is also a noun that refers to generosity or the act of giving. However, it’s often used in a slightly different context than largess. Largesse is often used to describe a gift or donation that is given as a sign of generosity or goodwill. Here are some examples of how to use largesse in a sentence:

• The king’s largesse towards his subjects helped to improve his reputation.
• The company’s largesse in donating to the local school helped to improve the lives of the students.
• She showed her largesse by donating a large sum of money to the museum.

As you can see from these examples, largesse is often used to describe a gift or donation that is given as a sign of generosity or goodwill. It’s often used in a positive context and can be used to describe individuals, organizations, or even governments.

Overall, both largess and largesse are words that describe generosity and the act of giving. However, largess is often used to describe the act of giving, while largesse is often used to describe a gift or donation that is given as a sign of generosity or goodwill. By understanding the subtle differences between these two words, you can use them correctly in your writing and communication.

More Examples Of Largess & Largesse Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide a variety of examples that showcase the usage of the terms “largess” and “largesse” in different contexts. These examples will help you to better understand how to use these terms in your writing and communication.

Examples Of Using Largess In A Sentence

• The CEO’s largess towards his employees was well known.
• The philanthropist’s largess towards the community was greatly appreciated.
• The king’s largess towards his subjects was seen as a sign of his generosity.
• The company’s largess towards its shareholders was reflected in the high dividends.
• The politician’s largess towards his constituents helped him win their support.
• The billionaire’s largess towards charity was widely publicized.
• The artist’s largess towards his fans was evident in the free concerts he gave.
• The coach’s largess towards his team was reflected in their improved performance.
• The donor’s largess towards the university was recognized with a building named after him.
• The landlord’s largess towards his tenants was reflected in the low rent.

Examples Of Using Largesse In A Sentence

• The queen’s largesse towards her courtiers was seen as a mark of her grace.
• The patron’s largesse towards the arts was reflected in the many works he commissioned.
• The businessman’s largesse towards his alma mater was recognized with a scholarship in his name.
• The diplomat’s largesse towards his colleagues was appreciated by all.
• The investor’s largesse towards the startup helped it grow into a successful company.
• The governor’s largesse towards the state’s infrastructure was seen as a wise investment.
• The celebrity’s largesse towards her fans was reflected in the time she spent signing autographs.
• The philanthropist’s largesse towards disaster relief was widely praised.
• The mayor’s largesse towards the city’s parks was reflected in the new playgrounds and facilities.
• The artist’s largesse towards his fellow musicians was seen as a mark of his generosity.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words largess and largesse, people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes people make when using largess and largesse incorrectly:

Using Largess As A Synonym For Largesse

One common mistake people make is using largess as a synonym for largesse. While these two words are related, they have different meanings. Largess refers to the act of giving generously, while largesse refers to the actual gift or generosity itself. For example:

• Incorrect: The company showed their largess by donating money to the charity.
• Correct: The company showed their largesse by donating a large sum of money to the charity.

Using Largesse To Describe Personal Qualities

Another mistake people make is using largesse to describe personal qualities, such as kindness or generosity. Largesse is a noun and should be used to describe a tangible gift or act of generosity. Instead, use adjectives such as generous or kind to describe personal qualities. For example:

• Incorrect: His largesse was apparent in the way he treated others.
• Correct: His generosity was apparent in the way he treated others.

Offering Tips To Avoid Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the distinct meanings of largess and largesse. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Use largess to describe the act of giving generously.
• Use largesse to describe the actual gift or generosity itself.
• Do not use largesse to describe personal qualities.
• Use adjectives such as generous or kind to describe personal qualities.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words largess and largesse can depend on the context in which they are used. While they both refer to generosity or gifts, there are subtle differences in their connotations that can affect the tone and meaning of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between largess and largesse might change:

Context	Largess	Largesse
Corporate Giving	The company’s largess towards the local community was widely praised.	The company’s largesse towards the local community was a strategic move to improve their reputation.
Personal Gifts	His largess towards his friends and family was well-known.	His largesse towards his friends and family was a way to show his affection.
Historical Context	The king’s largess to his subjects was seen as a sign of his benevolence.	The king’s largesse to his subjects was a way to maintain his power and control.

In each of these examples, the choice between largess and largesse can change the nuance of the sentence. Largess tends to connote a more spontaneous, generous act, while largesse can imply a more calculated or strategic approach to giving.

It’s important to consider the context in which these words are being used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using largess and largesse are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to avoid any confusion or misuse of the words.

Exception 1: Historical Usage

In some historical contexts, the usage of largess and largesse can be different from their contemporary usage. For example, in medieval times, largesse referred to the practice of giving gifts or money to knights or soldiers as a reward for their service. In this context, largesse was often used to describe a specific type of gift or reward, rather than a general sense of generosity.

Similarly, largess was sometimes used as a synonym for the term “benevolence” in older texts. This usage is less common today, but it’s still important to be aware of it when reading older literature or historical documents.

Exception 2: Regional Variations

Another exception to the rules for using largess and largesse is that their usage can vary depending on regional dialects or colloquialisms. For example, in some parts of the United States, largesse might be used more commonly than largess, or vice versa.

It’s also worth noting that the usage of these words can vary between different English-speaking countries. For example, in British English, largesse is sometimes used to refer specifically to financial aid or grants given by the government or other organizations.

Exception 3: Personal Interpretation

Finally, it’s important to remember that language is a subjective and evolving thing, and there may be instances where the rules for using largess and largesse are open to interpretation. In some cases, the context of a particular usage may be more important than the strict definition of the words themselves.

For example, if someone describes a person as having “a great deal of largess,” they may be referring to that person’s generosity or willingness to give, even if the strict definition of largess refers to a specific type of gift or reward.

Overall, while the rules for using largess and largesse are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. By understanding these exceptions, you can ensure that you’re using these words correctly and effectively in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have learned about the differences between largess and largesse, it is time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (largess or largesse) to fill in the blank in each sentence.

1. The wealthy businessman was known for his _______ towards charitable causes.
2. The king’s _______ was distributed among the peasants during the harvest festival.
3. The company’s _______ was evident in the bonuses given to all employees.
4. The politician’s _______ was seen as an attempt to buy votes.
5. The millionaire’s _______ was on full display at the extravagant party.

Answers:

1. largesse
2. largess
3. largess
4. largesse
5. largess

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words correctly:

1. largess
2. largesse
3. largess
4. largesse
5. largess

Answers:

1. The philanthropist’s largess towards education has helped countless students.
2. The queen’s largesse towards the arts has enriched the cultural landscape of the kingdom.
3. The CEO’s largess towards employee benefits has boosted morale in the workplace.
4. The politician’s largesse towards his constituents was seen as an attempt to gain favor.
5. The billionaire’s largess towards luxury goods was excessive and wasteful.

By completing these exercises, you will not only improve your understanding of largess and largesse, but also increase your confidence in using them correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that the words “largess” and “largesse” have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably. “Largess” refers to a generous gift or donation, while “largesse” refers to generosity or nobility of spirit. It is important to use these words correctly in order to communicate effectively and avoid confusion.

One key takeaway from this article is the importance of paying attention to language use and grammar. Using the wrong word can completely change the meaning of a sentence and lead to misunderstandings. It is always worth taking the time to double-check your writing and make sure you are using the right words.

Another takeaway is the value of expanding your vocabulary. Learning new words and their meanings can help you communicate more clearly and effectively, and can also make your writing more interesting and engaging.

In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of the words we use and their meanings. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, we can become better communicators and writers.