beneficence

/bi'nefisəns/

Thân thiện

An elderly woman shows great beneficence by sharing her meal with a stray cat.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being kind, helpful, or generous: "Beneficence" refers to the character or disposition of actively doing good for others, often involving generosity and kindness.
   • An act of charity or a good deed: "Beneficence" can also refer to a specific action that benefits someone else, a charitable gift or deed.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The hospital was founded through the beneficence of a wealthy industrialist. (The hospital was established because of the generous charitable act of a wealthy industrialist.)
  • Her life was marked by great beneficence towards the poor. (Her life was characterized by a strong quality of kindness and helpfulness toward the poor.)

Advanced Usage

• "Act of beneficence": a specific deed done to help others, often formally or significantly.
  • The scholarship fund was a major act of beneficence by the alumni association.
• In ethical philosophy: "Beneficence" is a core principle in bioethics, meaning an obligation to act for the benefit of others.
  • The doctor's decision was guided by the principle of beneficence.

Variants and Related Words

• Beneficent (adj): characterized by or performing acts of kindness or charity.
  • The beneficent ruler was loved by his people.
• Benefactor (n): a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
  • An anonymous benefactor paid for the new library wing.

Synonyms

• Benevolence: the quality of being well-meaning; kindness.
• Charity: voluntary giving of help, typically money, to those in need; also, kindness and tolerance in judging others.
• Altruism: the belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.
• Generosity: the quality of being kind and generous.

Antonyms

• Malevolence: the state or condition of having a wish to do evil to others.
• Miserliness: excessive desire to save money; extreme meanness.
• Selfishness: the quality or state of being concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Principle of beneficence: An ethical rule that one should help others further their important and legitimate interests.
• Public beneficence: Charitable acts or foundations intended for the good of the general public.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the quality of being kind or helpful or generous
2. doing good; feeling beneficent