benevolent
English meaning: Benevolent
Definition
Kind, generous, and wishing to do good to others.
Example
“The benevolent donor funded scholarships for hundreds of students without ever seeking recognition.”
Another example: “The old shopkeeper had a benevolent manner, often slipping an extra sweet into a child's bag.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Formal and somewhat literary; describes a kind, generous wish to do good. Often of people, institutions, or rulers ('a benevolent leader', 'a benevolent smile'). The opposite 'malevolent' is common.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'bene' (well) plus 'volens' (wishing).
Synonyms
- kind
- generous
- kindly
- gracious
- good
- eleemosynary
- charitable
- beneficent
- good-hearted
- philanthropic
- freehearted
- openhearted
Antonyms / Opposites
- malevolent
- cruel
- malicious
Related Words
- malevolent
- sexism
- protective
- dictator
- asylum
- fraternal
- neutrality
- fund
- assimilation
- deity
- dictatorship
- spirits
Common Collocations
- benevolent leader
- benevolent smile
- benevolent dictator
- benevolent fund
Word Forms
benevolent (adj); benevolently (adv); benevolence (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B