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English

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Etymology

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From Old French benevolent, borrowed from Latin benevolēns ("well wishing"). Displaced native Old English welwillende.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

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benevolent (comparative more benevolent, superlative most benevolent)

  1. Having a disposition to do good.
    Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent.
  2. Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.
  3. Altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.
    • 1989 December 24, Kevin M. Cathcart, “Homophobia Never Innocent”, in Gay Community News, volume 17, number 24, page 5:
      This bill was not a gift from a benevolent legislature; it was a victory for the community which worked for its passage.

Antonyms

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Derived terms

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Translations

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See also

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