benevolent

American  

[buh-nev-uh-luhnt] / bəˈnɛv ə lənt /

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.

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benevolent British  

/ 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

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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

Etymology

Origin of benevolent

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

Related Words

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