benevolent
Americanadjective
-
characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings.
a benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile.
-
desiring to help others; charitable.
gifts from several benevolent alumni.
- Synonyms:
- altruistic , philanthropic , benign , liberal , generous , humane , kind , good
-
intended for benefits rather than profit.
a benevolent institution.
adjective
-
intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly
a benevolent smile
a benevolent old man
-
doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable
a benevolent organization
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Lively’s award-winning fiction has always balanced keen wit with a compassionate outlook, and it isn’t hard to see how her own life in the garden has nurtured this benevolent and creative spirit.
From Seattle Times
Depicting the benevolent Amida Buddha, who offered paradise to believers, some had silk cords extending from the buddha’s hands that the expiring person could grasp.
From New York Times
Remember “Cocoon,” Ron Howard’s 1985 drama of lovable geriatrics and benevolent aliens?
From Washington Post
Can you please help me find the National Rifle Association’s mythic, benevolent gun-toting, lionhearted sage?
From Seattle Times
The sci-fi premise of the show, set mostly in the present-day United States, is that a powerful algorithm known as “Mrs. Davis” — characterized by avid users as beneficial and even benevolent — has fixed the world.
From Washington Post
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
