benevolent
Adjective
UK/bəˈnev.əl.ənt/US/bəˈnɛv.ə.lənt/
Well meaning and kindly; characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings.
Example Sentences
The benevolent teacher always encouraged her students to do their best.
He donated a large sum of money to charity, demonstrating his benevolent nature.
Many volunteers joined the benevolent organization to help those in need.
The mayor’s benevolent outlook led to several social welfare initiatives across the city.
Despite his own financial struggles, he remained benevolent by continuously supporting local families in need.
In ancient times, many rulers were feared tyrants, but history also records numerous benevolent kings and queens who truly cared for their subjects and worked tirelessly to improve their lives.
The community admired her benevolent spirit and willingness to volunteer countless hours for those less fortunate.
When the natural disaster struck, her benevolent actions included organizing fundraisers, distributing relief supplies, and personally visiting the affected areas to offer comfort.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
Describes a well-intentioned, caring attitude aimed at doing good.“Benevolent” is an adjective that emphasizes kindness, charity, or goodwill. When you label someone or some action as benevolent, you imply that it stems from a sincere desire to help others or create positive outcomes without expecting personal gain. In everyday usage, you might refer to a “benevolent organization” that supports charitable causes, or describe a person as “benevolent” if they frequently act in generous or compassionate ways. It contrasts with selfishness or malevolence, as it underscores a spirit of empathy and service. Whether discussing an individual’s character, an institution’s mission, or the intentions behind a gesture, “benevolent” highlights the intention to be helpful, humane, and caring. Pair it with examples or context—like benevolent leadership, benevolent acts of community service, or a benevolent family member who consistently looks out for others—to illustrate a genuine commitment to doing good.
Alternatives
If you need synonyms for “benevolent,” consider “kind,” “charitable,” “generous,” “compassionate,” or “philanthropic.” Each term adjusts the nuance slightly: “kind” underscores gentleness, “charitable” and “philanthropic” highlight structured giving or organized aid, while “compassionate” emphasizes empathy for others’ feelings. “Generous” can refer to financial help or the sharing of time and resources. Meanwhile, “humane” underscores moral warmth and empathy across broader contexts. Pick the synonym that best matches your intended focus—personal warmth, practical help, or large-scale altruism. In formal or literary contexts, “benevolent” often appears, while casual conversations might lean on “kindhearted” or “generous” as simpler descriptors of someone’s good nature.
Writing
When writing about someone or something benevolent, provide examples or contexts showing how this kindness manifests. Rather than simply stating “He was benevolent,” you might describe how he donates regularly to local charities, volunteers in his free time, or mentors struggling students. In essays or articles, discussing a “benevolent organization” could include details about its humanitarian programs, its impact on communities, and the values driving its efforts. If you’re crafting a fictional character, show their benevolence through dialogue and actions—perhaps they rescue a stray animal, offer quiet assistance to a neighbor, or give generously without fanfare. Because “benevolent” can sound somewhat formal or even archaic, pairing it with relatable, concrete illustrations helps your audience internalize the practical goodwill that the word implies. Whether you’re detailing philanthropic work or praising everyday neighborly acts, weaving in real or fictional anecdotes cements benevolence as active kindness rather than an abstract label.
Casual Conversation
In everyday chat, “benevolent” might pop up when discussing someone who’s consistently caring or an organization known for doing good. You could say, “My grandma is truly benevolent—she donates to every local charity fundraiser,” or “That volunteer group is so benevolent, always helping out after storms.” Because “benevolent” feels a touch formal, you might more often use “kind,” “nice,” or “generous” in casual settings—“He’s such a nice guy,” “She’s so generous with her time.” However, if you want a slightly more polished tone, using “benevolent” can underscore your appreciation for someone’s moral goodness. In playful or ironic contexts, you might jokingly praise a friend as “our benevolent overlord” if they do something small but considerate, injecting humor by linking their small kindness to the grandeur of the word “benevolent.” Essentially, it’s a flexible adjective—just gauge the setting for how natural it’ll sound.
Etymology
“Benevolent” stems from Latin “bene,” meaning “well,” and “velle,” meaning “to wish.” Combined, they form “bene volens” or “benevolentia,” originally signifying “well-wishing.” Over time, Middle English adapted these elements into “benevolent,” capturing the idea of a kindly disposition or an inclination toward doing good. Historically, the term appeared in descriptions of rulers, patrons, or ordinary individuals who offered help or resources with no expectation of profit. Today, “benevolent” remains closely tied to the notion of altruism and goodwill—someone “wishing well” for others and acting to support those good wishes. From ancient charity to modern philanthropy, the root “bene” still conveys positivity, underscoring why “benevolent” signals an attitude of help and kindness. Whether referencing an organization’s mission or an individual’s character, the word traces its lineage to the core idea of sincerely wanting to do well and see others flourish.
