benignity

[ bih-nig-ni-tee ]

noun

, plural be·nig·ni·ties.

1. the quality of being benign; kindness.
2. Archaic. a good deed or favor; an instance of kindness:

   benignities born of selfless devotion.

benignity

/ bɪˈnɪɡnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the quality of being benign; favourable attitude
2. a kind or gracious act

Other Words From

• unbe·nigni·ty noun plural unbenignities

Word History and Origins

Origin of benignity¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English benignite, from Middle French, Old French, from Latin benignitās; benign, -ity

Example Sentences

She was a long time about it, and when she returned, he was stretched out with both arms under his head, sound asleep, while Aunt March had pulled down the curtains and sat doing nothing in an unusual fit of benignity.

From Literature

On her deathbed the fortitude and benignity of this best of women did not desert her.

From Literature

Not everyone agrees on its benignity.

From Los Angeles Times

It was as though, feeling my hand, he felt my benignity.

From The New Yorker

He exudes benignity, even when playing a brutal killer, and it's as believable that a man like him would cuddle with a cute puppy as it is that he would murder other people for hire or out of vengeance.

From Salon