benignant

[ bih-nig-nuhnt ]

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.

benignant

/ bɪˈnɪɡnənt /

adjective

1. kind; gracious, as a king to his subjects
2. a less common word for benign benign

Derived Forms

• beˈnignancy, noun
• beˈnignantly, adverb

Other Words From

• be·nig·nan·cy [bih-, nig, -n, uh, n-see], noun
• be·nignant·ly adverb
• unbe·nignant adjective
• unbe·nignant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of benignant¹

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

Example Sentences

No notice was taken of Amy’s flight, except by her mates, but the sharp-eyed demoiselles discovered that Mr. Davis was quite benignant in the afternoon, also unusually nervous.

From Literature

The benignant influence crept like gas through the Row.

From Literature

General Peckem roused himself after a moment with an unctuous and benignant smile.

From Literature

“The fame of Washington stands apart from every other in history,” Irving pronounced, “shining with a truer luster and a more benignant glory.”

From Salon

As most benignant benefactor ranks The man who saves our own sweet countryside— At once our chiefest glory and our pride— From all the many nauseating ills Which come out of advertisements of pills!

From Project Gutenberg