benevolent

[ buh-nev-uh-luhnt ]
/ bəˈnɛv ə lənt /

adjective

characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings: a benevolent attitude; her benevolent smile.
desiring to help others; charitable: gifts from several benevolent alumni.
intended for benefits rather than profit: a benevolent institution.

Origin of benevolent

1425–75; late Middle English < Latin benevolent- (stem of benevolēns) kindhearted ( bene- bene- + vol- wish (akin to will1) + -ent- -ent)

OTHER WORDS FROM benevolent

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH benevolent

beneficent beneficial benevolent

Example sentences from the Web for benevolent

British Dictionary definitions for benevolent

benevolent
/ (bɪˈnɛvələnt) /

adjective

intending or showing goodwill; kindly; friendly a benevolent smile; a benevolent old man
doing good or giving aid to others, rather than making profit; charitable a benevolent organization

Derived forms of benevolent

benevolently, adverb

Word Origin for benevolent

C15: from Latin benevolēns, from bene well + velle to wish