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 old man

   a benevolent smile

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

   a benevolent organization

Derived Forms

• beˈnevolently, adverb

Other Words From

• be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• be·nevo·lent·ness noun
• nonbe·nevo·lent adjective
• nonbe·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• pseudo·be·nevo·lent adjective
• pseudo·be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• quasi-be·nevo·lent adjective
• quasi-be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• super·be·nevo·lent adjective
• super·be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• unbe·nevo·lent adjective
• unbe·nevo·lent·ly 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

Later in life Darwin seems to have relinquished any notion that the theory of natural selection might redeem death and suffering, and thus vindicate a benevolent God.

From Nautilus

This mindset began to erode over the course of the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s—first, when massive waves of layoffs and benefit cuts destabilized the myth of the benevolent parent company.

From Time

Whether this coalition of strangers—one whose intentions were undoubtedly benevolent—knew better than anyone in Spears’ inner circle what was best for her remained an open question.

From Time

In his telling, that generation came to politics skeptical but hopeful, only to find themselves confronted with a disastrous war, vicious polarization at home and the end of any hope for benevolent American hegemony.

From Washington Post

Rodrigo has been at the center of that mostly benevolent storm this year.

From Time

They are often characterized as benevolent and admirable; when we do the same, we are angry and unreasonable.

From The Daily Beast

Once in power, they often hired gifted artists to portray them in flattering and benevolent poses.

From The Daily Beast

Help with onerous conditions is not help so much as benevolent coercion.

From The Daily Beast

If you have a great person in charge then a benevolent dictator is wonderful.

From The Daily Beast

Or, they may be less benevolent, as Dray believes Gorelik was.

From The Daily Beast

He was learned, benevolent and pious, and author of several religious works.

From Project Gutenberg

His ambition is a purely selfish one, while mine is distinctly benevolent.

From Project Gutenberg

The bed threw a shadow on them both, but she could see his benevolent face, anxious and yet reassuring, rather clearly.

From Project Gutenberg

The Railway Benevolent Institution provided a rallying point.

From Project Gutenberg

Generally persons who associate for charitable or benevolent purposes do not regard themselves in a legal sense as partners.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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