benevolent

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /bəˈnɛvələnt/
  • (file)

Adjective

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.

Antonyms

Derived terms

  • English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *welh₁-‎ (0 c, 15 e)
  • benefactor
  • beneficent

Translations

See also

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