Word
benevolent
Phoneticsbenev·o·lent
US/bəˈnɛvəɫənt/
UK/bənˈɛvələnt/
Formal
Definition
adj. kind and generous, especially toward people who cannot help themselves. You use this word to describe someone who wants to do good things for others.
adj. characterized by or showing kindness, generosity, or goodwill toward others. Often used to describe charitable actions or a gentle disposition.
Examples
“The old man was very benevolent to the poor.”
“The benevolent donor gave money to build a new school in the village.”
“Her benevolent nature shone through in her quiet acts of charity, which required no recognition or reward from those she helped.”
Examples
simple
“The old man was very benevolent to the poor.”
contextual
“The benevolent donor gave money to build a new school in the village.”
complex
“Her benevolent nature shone through in her quiet acts of charity, which required no recognition or reward from those she helped.”
Real-World Examples
“Many of them first stayed at the Spanish Benevolent Society, known as La Nacional, which gave them bed and board while helping them find work.” Etymology
From Old French benevolent, borrowed from Latin benevolēns ("benevolent"). Displaced native Old English welwillende (literally well-wishing).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/benevolent