benevolence

noun

be·​nev·​o·​lence bə-ˈne-və-lən(t)s 

-ˈnev-

1

: disposition to do good

a king known for his benevolence

2

a

: an act of kindness

b

: a generous gift

3

: a compulsory contribution or tax levied by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative (see prerogative sense 1b)

Did you know?

Part of benevolence comes from the Latin root meaning "wish". The novels of Charles Dickens often include a benevolent figure who rescues the main characters at some point--Mr. Brownlow in Oliver Twist, Abel Magwitch in Great Expectations, Mr. Jarndyce in Bleak House, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. To be benevolent, it helps to have money, but it's not necessary; kind assistance of a nonfinancial sort may turn out to be lifesaving benevolence as well.

Synonyms

• boon
• courtesy
• favor
• grace
• indulgence
• kindness
• mercy
• service
• turn

Examples of benevolence in a Sentence

self-effacing as well as selfless, he refused all public acknowledgement of his many benevolences to the community

her benevolence towards her employees was such that she actually let one live in her home temporarily

Recent Examples on the Web

The British, much like the Soviets and the Americans decades later, were amazed to discover that Afghans did not believe in their benevolence. —Jonah Blank, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2011

This question brings in the benevolence component, and both are required. —Simone Milasas, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

True benevolence considers and includes what works for you, too. —Simone Milasas, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

For example, the U.S. occupation of the Philippines, which began in 1899, was sugarcoated in the rhetoric of benevolence. —Giang Nguyen-Dien, The Conversation, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see benevolent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

benevolence

noun

be·​nev·​o·​lence bə-ˈnev(-ə)-lən(t)s 

: kindness, generosity