bene-

a combining form occurring in loanwords from Latin, where it meant “well”: benediction.

Nearby words

bendigo, bending fracture, bending moment, bends, bendy, bene-, beneath, beneba, benedicite, benedick, benedict

Origin of bene-

combining form of bene (adv.) well (< *dwenē), akin to bonus good (< *dwenos)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Word Origin and History for bene-

bene-

Latin word-forming element meaning "well," from Latin bene "well, in the right way, honorably, properly," from PIE *dw-ene-, adverbial form of root *deu- "to do, perform, show favor, revere." Cf. Latin bonus "good," bellus "handsome, fine, pretty," beatus "blessed."