BENEVOLENT

be·nev·o·lent

(adj)

DEFINITION / MEANING:

Kind, helpful

intending or showing goodwill

Characterized by or suggestive of doing good.

Of, concerned with, or organized for the benefit of charity.

doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit

SAMPLE SENTENCES:

It turns out, however, their motives are not so benevolent.

Long Cross Farm is reputedly haunted by a very benevolent spirit.

Do you believe that there is a benevolent deity in charge of this world?

Most agents in the system are not benevolent, they have conflicting goals.

Their benevolent disposition often made them enter the cottages of the poor.

The benevolent gentleman left a further sum of $5000 to be divided among the poor.
Sherman revealed his benevolent side when he offered to help Carter with his homework.

Gods may behave toward us in ways that we perceive as cruel for entirely benevolent motives.

ETYMOLOGY:

mid-15c., "wishing to do good, kindly," from Middle French benivolent and directly

 from Latin benevolentem (nominative benevolens) "wishing (someone) well,

benevolent," related to benevolentia "good feeling" (see benevolence).

SYNONYMS:

altruistic, generous , charitable, philanthropic

compassionate, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted,