benevolent
UK: bɪˈnɛvələnt | US: bəˈnɛvələnt
adj. showing kindness or goodwill; charitable
adj. intending or resulting in benefit
benevolent = bene<well> + vol<wish> + ent<adjective suffix>
- bene (from Latin bene, meaning "well")
- vol (from Latin velle, meaning "to wish" or "to will")
- ent (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "benevolent" originates from Latin benevolentem, combining bene ("well") and volentem (from velle, "to wish"). It literally means "wishing well" or "well-wishing," reflecting its core meaning of kindness and goodwill. The term entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its original sense of charitable intent.
The benevolent donor funded scholarships for underprivileged students.
Her benevolent smile put everyone at ease.
The king was known for his benevolent rule.
A benevolent organization provided food to the homeless.
His actions were driven by a benevolent desire to help others.