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Definition of benevolent
benevolent
/bəˈnɛv.əl.ənt/
be · nev · o · lent
Adverb:benevolently
benevolent Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
8
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
Syllables
4
benevolent Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• adjective
1
Well-meaning, kindly, and motivated by a desire to do good for others.
Example
"A benevolent benefactor donated millions of dollars to rebuild the community hospital."
2
Serving a charitable rather than a profit-making purpose (of an organization or institution).
Example
"The workers established a benevolent society to support families affected by workplace injuries."
Synonyms
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Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French benivolent, from Latin benevolentem (wishing well), formed from bene (well) and volens, the present participle of velle (to wish).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Benevolent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/benevolent