Nearby Words

benevolent

[buh-nev-uh-luhnt] Example Sentences Origin

be·nev·o·lent

[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.
3.
intended for benefits rather than profit: a benevolent institution.

Origin:
1425–75; late Middle English < Latin benevolent- (stem of benevolēns) kindhearted (bene- bene- + vol- wish (akin to will1) + -ent- -ent)

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
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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
COLLAPSE

beneficent, beneficial, benevolent.


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


cruel.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Benevolent is a TOEFL word you need to know.
So is archetype. Does it mean:
pertaining to a united group created by law having a continuous independent existence and powers and liabilities distinct from those of its members
the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based
Example Sentences
  • Instead of being benevolent stewards of creation, we have been relentless destroyers of it.
  • My parents practiced a form of benevolent neglect, and I was always encouraged to go out and play.
  • There is surely something singularly benevolent in the character of our sovereign.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
benevolent (bɪˈnɛvələnt)
 
adj
1.  intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly: a benevolent smile; a benevolent old man
2.  doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable: a benevolent organization
 
[C15: from Latin benevolēns, from bene well + velle to wish]
 
be'nevolently
 
adv

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

benevolent
late 15c., "wishing to do good, kindly," from O.Fr. benevolent, from L. benevolentem (nom. benevolens) "wishing (someone) well, benevolent," related to benevolentia "good feeling" (see benevolence).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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