adjective

benevolent

/bəˈnɛvələnt/ · say it: buh·NEV·uh·lunt

kind and generous

In Sophisticated Everyday

In more detail

1. (adjective) kind and generous, wanting to help other people

2. (adjective) an organization or institution that gives help or charity to people in need

Examples

1. A benevolent employer gave all employees a large bonus. 2. The benevolent fund provides financial support to families in crisis.

How to use benevolent

Benevolent describes a disposition or character marked by generosity and care for others' welfare. It is often used in formal or institutional contexts—benevolent societies, benevolent employers—and carries a somewhat elevated or dignified tone compared to simply 'kind'. The phrase 'benevolent dictator' describes an authoritarian ruler who nonetheless acts in people's perceived best interests.

Common phrases

benevolent organization
benevolent institution
benevolent dictator
benevolent fund
benevolent purpose

Synonyms

kind · generous · charitable · altruistic · humane

Opposites

malevolent · cruel · selfish

Word family

benevolence (noun) · benevolently (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse benevolent with beneficent (doing good deeds), though the two are related; benevolent emphasizes the kindly intent or character, while beneficent emphasizes actually producing good results.

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