benignant

American  

[bih-nig-nuhnt] / bɪˈnɪg nənt /

adjective

1. kind, especially to inferiors; gracious.

   a benignant sovereign.

   Synonyms:

   charitable, generous, benign, benevolent

2. exerting a good influence; beneficial.

   the benignant authority of the new president.

3. Pathology. benign.

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benignant British  

/ bɪˈnɪɡnənt /

adjective

1. kind; gracious, as a king to his subjects

2. a less common word for benign benign

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Other Word Forms

• benignancy
  noun
• benignantly
  adverb
• unbenignant
  adjective
• unbenignantly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of benignant

1775–85; benign + -ant, modeled on malignant

Explanation

Someone who's benignant is goodhearted and kind. Your favorite teacher in elementary school was probably the most benignant of them all. When you're describing a lovely, warm person you can call her benignant, or even describe someone with a particularly sweet face as looking benignant. Another way to use this adjective is as a less common way to say "benign," or not harmful, especially in a medical sense — a benignant tumor, for example, is one that won't hurt you. Benignant, in fact, comes from benign, simply adding the ant on the model of malignant, or "dangerous, infectious, or cancerous."

Example Sentences

From the Furies of frightful aspect they became the Benignant Ones, the Eumenides, protectors of the suppliant.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Benignant Mrs. Martin was knitting as usual, and the three women sat together in a friendly group and Nan asked and answered questions most cordially.

From A Country Doctor and Selected Stories and Sketches by Jewett, Sarah Orne

Flowers are they, blossoms still, Born of Benignant Will, Not of the Sphingian Fate, which hath no heed For human smiles or tears; The long-revolving years Have brought humanity a happier creed.

From Punch, Or The London Charivari, Volume 102, January 23, 1892 by Various

Tell her from me She'll glorious shine in high divan, if she Benignant prove herself; more true distinction She'll gain by this, than by my hope's extinction.

From Turandot: The Chinese Sphinx by Novello, Sabilla

Lord, who ordainest for mankind Benignant toils and tender cares!

From Poetical Works of William Cullen Bryant Household Edition by Stoddard, Richard Henry