benignly

[ bih-nahyn-lee ]

adverb

1. in a kind, gracious, or gentle manner:

   Kit smiled benignly and told them to wait and see.

   I reacted far too forcefully to a very benignly stated criticism, but that was because I was frustrated.

2. in a positive, favorable, or auspicious way:

   The trail begins benignly enough, but gains elevation unevenly, with surprisingly steep sections throughout.

   Laws once thought to operate benignly in women's favor have in time come to be seen as instead impeding their opportunity to participate in and contribute to society.

3. Pathology. in a way that is not malignant:

   This procedure is most commonly performed in men with benignly enlarged prostate glands.

   Candida, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, for the most part lives benignly on our skin and mucous membranes.

Other Words From

• su·per·be·nign·ly adverb
• un·be·nign·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of benignly¹

benign ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

Little told the grand jury she remembered the question more benignly, according to an ABC News story that cited anonymous sources, and said she couldn’t recall Trump recommending they not “play ball.”

From Salon

Not unlike the genre of naughty village quirk that gave us “Calendar Girls,” “Wicked Little Letters” is benignly enjoyable in its take on a true story of hidden feelings, farcical expression and righteous action.

From Los Angeles Times

When E. coli fail to attach and colonize the gut, the pathogen benignly moves through and passes out of the body.

From Science Daily

This week in West Seattle, a group called, benignly, Elliott Bay Neighbors, but which is really a who’s-who of major developers, sent a mailing about District 1 candidate Rob Saka that was simply wrong.

From Seattle Times

Seeing Aidan through the eyes of people who view him benignly, even lovingly, we feel the danger in each of this monster’s relationships and the ways in which people are blinded to it.

From New York Times

Related Words

• accurately
• correctly
• decently
• duly
• equally
• equitably
• honestly
• honorably
• impartially
• lawfully
• legally
• legitimately
• properly
• reasonably
• rightfully
• rightly