benevolent

[ buh-nev-uh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings:

   a benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile.

2. desiring to help others; charitable:

   gifts from several benevolent alumni.

   Synonyms: altruistic, philanthropic, benign, liberal, generous, humane, kind, good

3. intended for benefits rather than profit:

   a benevolent institution.

benevolent

/ bɪˈnɛvələnt /

adjective

1. intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly

   a benevolent old man

   a benevolent smile

2. doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable

   a benevolent organization

Derived Forms

• beˈnevolently, adverb

Other Words From

• be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• be·nevo·lent·ness noun
• nonbe·nevo·lent adjective
• nonbe·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• pseudo·be·nevo·lent adjective
• pseudo·be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• quasi-be·nevo·lent adjective
• quasi-be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• super·be·nevo·lent adjective
• super·be·nevo·lent·ly adverb
• unbe·nevo·lent adjective
• unbe·nevo·lent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolent¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, stem of benevolēns “kindhearted, well-wishing,” from bene- bene- + volēns “willing, wishing” (present participle of velle “to want, wish”); voluntary

Word History and Origins

Origin of benevolent¹

C15: from Latin benevolēns , from bene well + velle to wish

Related Words

• benign
• caring
• compassionate
• generous
• humane
• philanthropic