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

This stubborn resistance lent all the more lustre to the piety of our benignant Rulers.

From Project Gutenberg

They certainly were attractive specimens of their race, and the Quaker miller who offered them had a most benignant countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

He had a loose hairy benignant face with a humorous but penetrating eye and the usual domelike brow.

From Project Gutenberg

With the sun was associated a supreme power that presided over the universe, benignant and eternal.

From Project Gutenberg

As she stood there in the doorway, lamp in hand, she looked like a benignant mother waiting to greet a returning child.

From Project Gutenberg