benevolent

[buh-nev-uh-luhnt]

adjective

1. characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings.

   a benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile.

2. desiring to help others; charitable.

   gifts from several benevolent alumni.

   Synonyms: altruistic, philanthropic, benign, liberal, generous, humane, kind, good

3. intended for benefits rather than profit.

   a benevolent institution.

benevolent

/ bɪˈnɛvələnt /

adjective

1. intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly

   a benevolent smile

   a benevolent old man

2. doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable

   a benevolent organization

Other Word Forms

• benevolently adverb
• benevolentness noun
• nonbenevolent adjective
• nonbenevolently adverb
• pseudobenevolent adjective
• pseudobenevolently adverb
• quasi-benevolent adjective
• quasi-benevolently adverb
• superbenevolent adjective
• superbenevolently adverb
• unbenevolent adjective
• unbenevolently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolent¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, stem of benevolēns “kindhearted, well-wishing,” from bene- bene- + volēns “willing, wishing” (present participle of velle “to want, wish”); voluntary

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolent¹

C15: from Latin benevolēns , from bene well + velle to wish

Example Sentences

When Walmart decided to raise pay for the hourly workers in its stores and warehouses, who now number 1.5 million, it wasn’t trying to be benevolent.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"But these are not benevolent guardians of personal memory."

Read more on BBC

It’s already been suggested over the weekend that, under some benevolent compromise, he may be allowed to return to the airwaves, lack of talent and all.

Read more on Salon

These feel-good features function almost like folk tales: a recognizable parable in which a benevolent stranger swoops in to resolve a community’s shameful problem, restoring order before the credits roll.

Read more on Salon

That Hemsworth advocates a benevolent, smarter way through “Limitless: Live Better Now” makes it easier to take its lessons to heart.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• benign 
• caring 
• compassionate 
• generous 
• humane 
• philanthropic