Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for benevolence

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Other Words From

  • nonbe·nevo·lence noun
  • super·be·nevo·lence noun
  • unbe·nevo·lence noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolence1

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

Example Sentences

The statue of Divine watches over the international visiting guests with benevolence and the same understanding Rebecca has for all artists who don’t fit in.

The long arc of history points to our benevolence and cooperation as a species, and the real science is only now catching up and changing researchers’ views on subjects from economics to psychology.

Some depended on small donations, others on the benevolence of wealthy patrons.

It’s this hint of benevolence that makes him perhaps the most complicated video game president we’ve ever had.

In the community, he set a standard for engagement and benevolence.

There may be a reason beyond some internal benevolence that John McCain chose not to go down this road.

I think the vampire continues to be associated with beauty, glamour, elegance, great strength, a secret benevolence, and goodness.

And your current brand of persuasion entails tempering pushiness with aplomb, brute force with benevolence.

He was sheriff of Paris, 1770, and employed his leisure in objects of benevolence, till the revolution overwhelmed him.

He mentioned the name of a woman well known in Summerville for strong character and wise benevolence.

It changed all the benevolence of her nature into wrathful bitterness and unmitigated contempt.

To all of this Mr Dean listened in perfect silence, patiently, and with a smile of universal benevolence.

In manners affable, and in benevolence unsurpassed, the Kentucky planter gains the plaudits of all.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Beneventobenevolent