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 smile

   a benevolent old man

2. 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

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

He said the general "could even be somewhat tender and benevolent".

Read more on Barron's

Despite all the costs entailed in the transition, industrial technology and the market system accomplished what no benevolent king’s redistribution, no loving bishop’s charity, no mercantilist’s protectionism and no powerful guild ever did.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As author Stephanie Land points out, weaponized government assistance is the opposite of benevolent.

Read more on Salon

Six seasons of TV and three feature films depict servitude as a benevolent state, sometimes verging on jolly.

Read more on Salon

When Walmart decided to raise pay for the hourly workers in its stores and warehouses, who now number 1.5 million, it wasn’t trying to be benevolent.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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