benevolent

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Jump to navigation Jump to search

English

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

From Old French benevolent, borrowed from Latin benevolēns ("well wishing"). Displaced native Old English welwillende.

Pronunciation

[edit]

Adjective

[edit]

benevolent (comparative more benevolent, superlative most benevolent)

  1. Having a disposition to do good.
    Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent.
  2. Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.
  3. Altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.
    • 1989 December 24, Kevin M. Cathcart, “Homophobia Never Innocent”, in Gay Community News, volume 17, number 24, page 5:
      This bill was not a gift from a benevolent legislature; it was a victory for the community which worked for its passage.

Antonyms

[edit]

Derived terms

[edit]
[edit]

Translations

[edit]

See also

[edit]