benignly

[ bih-nahyn-lee ]

adverb

1. in a kind, gracious, or gentle manner:

   Kit smiled benignly and told them to wait and see.

   I reacted far too forcefully to a very benignly stated criticism, but that was because I was frustrated.

2. in a positive, favorable, or auspicious way:

   The trail begins benignly enough, but gains elevation unevenly, with surprisingly steep sections throughout.

   Laws once thought to operate benignly in women's favor have in time come to be seen as instead impeding their opportunity to participate in and contribute to society.

3. Pathology. in a way that is not malignant:

   This procedure is most commonly performed in men with benignly enlarged prostate glands.

   Candida, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, for the most part lives benignly on our skin and mucous membranes.

Other Words From

• su·per·be·nign·ly adverb
• un·be·nign·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of benignly¹

benign ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

There are also programs that focus on industrial chemicals, helping factories switch from using potent greenhouse gases in their operations to more benign alternatives.

From Popular-Science

It can be difficult to determine whether these symptoms are a result of covid-19 or something more benign, such as allergies.

From Washington Post

The benign weather should continue Sunday before a strong and quickly moving storm system dumps a good amount of rain on us for Monday.

From Washington Post

Researchers find that these positive emotions experienced with humor and laughter correlate with appreciating the meaning of life and help older adults hold a benign view of difficulties they’ve faced over a lifetime.

From No Straight News

However, while it is possible that these autoantibodies are benign, or even helpful in a yet-unidentified manner, it’s also possible that they aren’t.

From No Straight News

I was a little mystified at how benignly he responded to my questions about his business activities.

From The Daily Beast

Losch opened his mouth to say more, but Beardsley lifted a palm at the screen and smiled benignly.

From Project Gutenberg

She surveyed it from an inaccessible height, turning very sweetly and benignly from her bliss.

From Project Gutenberg

Miriam benignly gazed—it was the perfection of indirectness.

From Project Gutenberg

Mammy continued to smile upon him benignly, and her smile proved as disconcerting as she meant it should.

From Project Gutenberg

And Mrs. Morton smiled benignly, as she escaped from his conjugal arms and smoothed her cap.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accurately
• correctly
• decently
• duly
• equally
• equitably
• honestly
• honorably
• impartially
• lawfully
• legally
• legitimately
• properly
• reasonably
• rightfully
• rightly