beneficence

American  

[buh-nef-uh-suhns] / bəˈnɛf ə səns /

noun

1. the doing of good; active goodness or kindness; charity.

2. a beneficent act or gift; benefaction.

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beneficence British  

/ bɪˈnɛfɪsəns /

noun

1. the act of doing good; kindness

2. a charitable act or gift

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Other Word Forms

• nonbeneficence
  noun

Etymology

Origin of beneficence

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; French bénéficence, from Latin beneficentia; see benefic, -ence

Explanation

If you show someone kindness or generosity, that's beneficence like when you shovel a neighbor's sidewalk or mow their lawn just to help out, no strings attached. Beneficence comes from the Latin word benefactum, meaning "good deed." That's exactly what beneficence is — helping someone just because you care, not because you want to be praised for being nice. Giving your time, skills, or even a donation of money or items shows beneficence. This word can also describe the character of a person who is helpful, caring, and compassionate.

Example Sentences

Thanks to a delicate balance of force, beneficence, and self-interest, the United States would enjoy both great national wealth and historically unprecedented global dominance.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

Paula Keeler, 74, took a break from her recent shift inspecting produce to discuss the organization’s beneficence.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2025

For the moral physician, beneficence must always exceed maleficence.

From Slate • Aug. 20, 2024

Principle of beneficence: The principle of beneficence proposes that we should act in ways that benefit others or that are for the good of others.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

From his agitation, I discerned that Lord Cheldthorpe had given no firm word on whether he would support our continued experiments and grace the arts of our house with his beneficence.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson