beneficent

[ buh-nef-uh-suhnt ]

adjective

1. doing good or causing good to be done; conferring benefits; kindly in action or purpose.

beneficent

/ bɪˈnɛfɪsənt /

adjective

1. charitable; generous

Derived Forms

• beˈneficently, adverb

Other Words From

• be·nefi·cent·ly adverb
• nonbe·nefi·cent adjective
• nonbe·nefi·cent·ly adverb
• unbe·nefi·cent adjective
• unbe·nefi·cent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of beneficent¹

First recorded in 1610–20; benefic(ence) + -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of beneficent¹

C17: from Latin beneficent- , from beneficus ; see benefice

Example Sentences

To optimize for science, we need a beneficent technocrat in charge.

From Time

Carmakers have noted their moves toward electrification, their commitments to sustainability during the manufacturing process, and their general insistence on beneficent environmental stewardship.

From Outside Online

I think if we teach machines to be creative, then they’ll be beneficent toward us, rather than just keeping us around as household pets.

From Nautilus

He is the hyperkinetic, beneficent godfather of freed-heel skiing the Canaan Valley.

From Washington Post

NO thoughtful man can fail to appreciate its beneficent effect upon our institutions and people.

From The Daily Beast

There is a beneficent heat wave of attention returning to the subject of Thelonious Monk.

From The Daily Beast

Christians declare that the divine origin and truth of their religion are proved by its beneficent results.

From Project Gutenberg

In the beneficent arrangements of Divine love to the young, the latter is first extended.

From Project Gutenberg

A most beneficent work was set on foot in the foundation of Charity Schools.

From Project Gutenberg

Perhaps, too, I may be called to effect so beneficent a work, the humble instrument of a gracious God.

From Project Gutenberg

The poem was simple and optimistic—it told of the beneficent qualities of rain, as it would appear to one whose roof did not leak.

From Project Gutenberg