benevolence

[buh-nev-uh-luhns]

noun

1. desire to do good to others; goodwill; charitableness.

   to be filled with benevolence toward one's fellow creatures.

   Antonyms: malevolence

2. an act of kindness; a charitable gift.

   She bequeathed many benevolences from her vast fortune.

3. English History.,  a forced contribution to the sovereign.

benevolence

/ bɪˈnɛvələns /

noun

1. inclination or tendency to help or do good to others; charity

2. an act of kindness

3. (in the Middle Ages) a forced loan or contribution exacted by English kings from their nobility and subjects

Other Word Forms

• nonbenevolence noun
• superbenevolence noun
• unbenevolence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin benevolentia; benevolent, -ence

Example Sentences

Zemeckis’ best picture winner is part of a long Hollywood tradition of looking at bigotry and segregation as all but solved or surmountable due to the grace and benevolence of individual white people.

From Salon

There was a degree of benevolence in that ring.

From BBC

But gender role orthodoxy as a solution to economic problems confronts the same shortcoming today it’s always faced: Dependence on the long-term, unwavering benevolence of another person is an abjectly risky financial strategy.

From Salon

However, Prof Bellitto pointed out that Militiades was not responsible for this change, saying the Pope was the "recipient of the Roman benevolence" rather than being a great negotiator.

From BBC

And following the Pope's death, Milei said he was deeply pained by his loss, and praised the pontiff's benevolence and wisdom.

From BBC

Related Words

• benefaction 
• benignity 
• compassion 
• good nature 
• good will www.thesaurus.com
• goodwill 
• kindheartedness www.thesaurus.com
• kindliness 
• kindness 
• tenderness www.thesaurus.com