Benevolent Meaning
/bəˈnɛvələnt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjHaving a disposition to do good.
adjPossessing or manifesting love for mankind.
Sentence Examples
He was a benevolent old man who volunteered to mow his neighbors' lawns for free.
She's a benevolent witch.
Why would a benevolent god allow Hell to exist?
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The wealthy donor was known for her ____ nature, always giving to charity.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ old man helped the lost child find his way back home today city.
Word Origin & History
From Old French benevolent, borrowed from Latin benevolēns ("benevolent"). Displaced native Old English welwillende (literally well-wishing).
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:
"This bill was not a gift from a benevolent legislature; it was a victory for the community which worked for its passage."
— 1989 December 24, Kevin M. Cathcart, “Homophobia Never Innocent”, in Gay Community News, volume 17, number 24, page 5:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The wealthy donor was known for her ____ nature, always giving to charity.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A ____ old man helped the lost child find his way back home today city.