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

With tears and prayers and tender hands, Mother and sisters made her ready for the long sleep that pain would never mar again, seeing with grateful eyes the beautiful serenity that soon replaced the pathetic patience that had wrung their hearts so long, and feeling with reverent joy that to their darling death was a benignant angel, not a phantom full of dread.

From Literature

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

As she lifted the curtain to look out into the dreary night, the moon broke suddenly from behind the clouds and shone upon her like a bright, benignant face, which seemed to whisper in the silence, “Be comforted, dear soul! There is always light behind the clouds.”

From Literature

I used to enjoy a chance meeting with you, Jane, at this time: there was a curious hesitation in your manner: you glanced at me with a slight trouble—a hovering doubt: you did not know what my caprice might be—whether I was going to play the master and be stern, or the friend and be benignant.

From Literature

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

From Literature