benevolent
[ buh-nev-uh-luhnt ]
adjective
characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings: a benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile.
desiring to help others; charitable: gifts from several benevolent alumni.
intended for benefits rather than profit: a benevolent institution.
Origin of benevolent
1Other words for benevolent
Opposites for benevolent
Other words from benevolent
- 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
- 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
Words that may be confused with benevolent
- beneficent, beneficial, benevolent
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for benevolent
benevolent
/ (bɪˈnɛvələnt) /
adjective
intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly: a benevolent smile; a benevolent old man
doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable: a benevolent organization
Origin of benevolent
1C15: from Latin benevolēns, from bene well + velle to wish
Derived forms of benevolent
- benevolently, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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