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benevolent

 - 2 dictionary results

be⋅nev⋅o⋅lent

  [buh-nev-uh-luhnt]
Use benevolent in a Sentence
–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.
3. intended for benefits rather than profit: a benevolent institution.
Origin:
1425–75; late ME < L benevolent- (s. of benevolēns) kindhearted (bene- bene- + vol- wish (akin to will 1 ) + -ent- -ent )

Related forms:
be⋅nev⋅o⋅lent⋅ly, adverb
be⋅nev⋅o⋅lent⋅ness, noun

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

Antonyms:
cruel.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To benevolent
be·nev·o·lent   (bə-něv'ə-lənt)   
adj.  

  1. Characterized by or suggestive of doing good.

  2. Of, concerned with, or organized for the benefit of charity.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin benevolēns, benevolent- : bene, well; see deu-2 in Indo-European roots + volēns, present participle of velle, to wish; see wel-1 in Indo-European roots.]
be·nev'o·lent·ly adv.
Synonyms: These adjectives mean of, concerned with, providing, or provided by charity: a benevolent fund; a charitable foundation; eleemosynary relief; philanthropic contributions. See Also Synonyms at kind1.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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