Definition of benevolent

Email this page to a friend

< benevolence

Benfleet >

be·nev·o·lent    (b-nv-lnt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Characterized by or suggestive of doing good.
2. Of, concerned with, or organized for the benefit of charity.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin benevolns, benevolent- : bene, well; see deu-² in Indo-European roots + volns, present participle of velle, to wish; see wel-¹ in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
be·nevo·lent·ly(Adverb)

SYNONYMS:
benevolent, charitable, eleemosynary, philanthropic

These adjectives mean of, concerned with, providing, or provided by charity: a benevolent fund; a charitable foundation; eleemosynary relief; philanthropic contributions. See also Synonyms at kind¹.