Openhandedness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being generous and willing to give freely without hesitation
2. Showing a readiness to share or offer help in a kind and unselfish manner
3. The characteristic of freely giving or sharing possessions or kindness with others

Etymology: "Openhandedness" is a plain formation: the adjective "openhanded" with the suffix "-ness" added to turn it into a noun for a quality or state. The adjective itself is built from "open" and "hand," and describes someone whose hand is open, meaning ready to give. The suffix traces back through Middle English "-nesse" to Old English "-nes," a very old and productive ending that marks a noun of state or quality, as in "kindness" or "darkness." The modern sense rests on a physical image. Holding out an open hand instead of a closed fist is the gesture of giving or showing no hidden intent, and "openhanded" carries that picture into generosity. Because the suffix attaches to the adjective, "openhandedness" names the disposition itself rather than any single act of giving.

Synonyms: generosity, liberality, munificence, bounteousness, largesse

Antonyms: stinginess, miserliness, greed, tightfistedness, avarice