noun
benevolence
buh-NEH-vuh-luhns
noun
1
A kind and generous disposition; the wish to do good for others.
"The old man was known throughout the village for his quiet benevolence."
"The charity relies entirely on the benevolence of local donors."
How to Use Benevolence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA genuine, ongoing kindness toward others — more a character trait than a single act.
Common mistake
Benevolence is the noun (the quality); benevolent is the adjective describing a person or act that shows it.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
benevolences plural
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The old man was known throughout the village for his quiet _____.
Etymology
From Latin benevolentia, "good will," combining bene ("well") and volens ("wishing") — from the same root as "voluntary" and "volunteer."