Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1400-1500
Language: Latin
Origin: bene 'well' + volens (present participle of velle 'to wish')

benevolent

 adjective
     
be‧nev‧o‧lent
kind and generous:
A benevolent uncle paid for her to have music lessons.
a benevolent smile
—benevolence noun [uncountable]
—benevolently adverb
WORD FOCUS: kind WORD FOCUS: kind
similar words: nice, considerate, thoughtful, sympathetic, benevolent, compassionate, gentle

➔ See also kind
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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