Benevolence Meaning
/bəˈnɛvələns/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounDisposition to do good.
nounCharitable kindness.
Sentence Examples
Benevolence is abstract, a good deed is concrete.
A certain hallmark of wisdom is the cheerful benevolence it confers.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The charity relies on the ____ of wealthy donors to fund its projects.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The organization is known for its ____ and help to the poor people city.
Word Origin & History
Circa 1400, original sense “good will, disposition to do good”, Old French benivolence from Latin benevolentia (also directly from Latin), literally “good will”, from bene (“well, good”) + volentia, form of volēns, form of volō (“to wish”), components cognate to English benefit and voluntary, more distantly will (via Proto-Indo-European).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Benevolence? vvhich ſhall I be benevolent to; or vvhich firſt? I am puſſell'd in the choice."
— 1641 or 1642 (first performance), Richard Brome, A Joviall Crew: Or, The Merry Beggars. Presented in a Comedie, […], London: […] J[ames] Y[oung] for E[dward] D[od] and N[athaniel] E[kins] […], published 1652, →OCLC, Act III, signature [H4], recto:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
The charity relies on the ____ of wealthy donors to fund its projects.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The organization is known for its ____ and help to the poor people city.