benevolent
Say it: buh-NEV-uh-lunt /bɪˈnɛv(ə)l(ə)nt/ · adjective
What “benevolent” means
Kind and wanting good things for others.
More precisely: Well-meaning and kind; wanting good things for others.
Example: “A benevolent landlord, he froze the rent when his tenants lost their jobs.”
When to use it
When someone shows goodwill and kindness, especially from a position of power. A positive, fairly formal description.
Memory trick
Latin bene means well: benevolent comes from words meaning wishing well.
Similar words
kind, kindly, charitable
Where it comes from
From Latin bene volent-, 'well wishing'.
Quick check
A club organiser quietly makes sure every newcomer feels welcome and has everything they need. The organiser is…
benevolent or controlling?
Show the answer
benevolent
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