benignant

American  

[bih-nig-nuhnt] / bɪˈnɪg nənt /

adjective

1. kind, especially to inferiors; gracious.

   a benignant sovereign.

   Synonyms:

   charitable, generous, benign, benevolent

2. exerting a good influence; beneficial.

   the benignant authority of the new president.

3. Pathology. benign.

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benignant British  

/ bɪˈnɪɡnənt /

adjective

1. kind; gracious, as a king to his subjects

2. a less common word for benign benign

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Other Word Forms

• benignancy
  noun
• benignantly
  adverb
• unbenignant
  adjective
• unbenignantly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of benignant

1775–85; benign + -ant, modeled on malignant

Explanation

Someone who's benignant is goodhearted and kind. Your favorite teacher in elementary school was probably the most benignant of them all. When you're describing a lovely, warm person you can call her benignant, or even describe someone with a particularly sweet face as looking benignant. Another way to use this adjective is as a less common way to say "benign," or not harmful, especially in a medical sense — a benignant tumor, for example, is one that won't hurt you. Benignant, in fact, comes from benign, simply adding the ant on the model of malignant, or "dangerous, infectious, or cancerous."

Example Sentences

From the Furies of frightful aspect they became the Benignant Ones, the Eumenides, protectors of the suppliant.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Benignant nature meant her children should live on in happy contentment here forever; but sin and Satan came in, and death was the vengeance that followed their doings.

From The Destiny of the Soul A Critical History of the Doctrine of a Future Life by Alger, William Rounseville

Benignant tumors frequently disappear on a limited diet.

From Maintaining Health Formerly Health and Efficiency by Alsaker, R. L.

Lord, who ordainest for mankind Benignant toils and tender cares!

From Poetical Works of William Cullen Bryant Household Edition by Stoddard, Richard Henry

Clang! clang!—we forge the colter now— The colter of the kindly plow; Benignant Father, bless our toil; May its broad furrow still unbind To genial rains, to sun and wind, The most productive soil!

From Sanders' Union Fourth Reader by Sanders, Charles W.