benevolence

[ buh-nev-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. desire to do good to others; goodwill; charitableness:

   to be filled with benevolence toward one's fellow creatures.

   Antonyms: malevolence

2. an act of kindness; a charitable gift:

   She bequeathed many benevolences from her vast fortune.

3. English History. a forced contribution to the sovereign.

benevolence

/ bɪˈnɛvələns /

noun

1. inclination or tendency to help or do good to others; charity
2. an act of kindness
3. (in the Middle Ages) a forced loan or contribution exacted by English kings from their nobility and subjects

Other Words From

• nonbe·nevo·lence noun
• super·be·nevo·lence noun
• unbe·nevo·lence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolence¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin benevolentia; benevolent, -ence

Example Sentences

Still, Arias said, the city has to set limits on its benevolence.

From Los Angeles Times

Feminists have long argued that "chivalry" is just another form of male domination, disguised as benevolence.

From Salon

But it’s her high-pitched voice and Southern drawl that complete the façade of harmless and sweet benevolence that initially fools Belinda into trusting her intentions.

From Los Angeles Times

He added: "Rob transcended sport and through the media he was able to get his message out of love, of altruism and benevolence."

From BBC

Yet we have normalized our safety net made of Swiss cheese and keep chasing after the fickle benevolence of billionaires.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• benefaction
• benignity
• compassion
• good nature
• good will
• goodwill
• kindheartedness
• kindliness
• kindness
• tenderness