Definition

1. Noun:
   • An act intending or showing kindness and good will: "Benevolence" refers to a specific action that is motivated by a desire to be kind and helpful.
   • An inclination to do kind or charitable acts: It describes a general tendency or readiness to perform good deeds and help others.
   • Disposition to do good: This meaning refers to a person's inherent character or nature that is inclined towards kindness, generosity, and goodwill.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The billionaire's donation to the hospital was an act of pure benevolence. (The act showed kindness and good will.)
  • Her lifelong benevolence was evident in her volunteer work at the shelter. (She had a consistent inclination to do charitable acts.)
  • He is known for his benevolence and willingness to help anyone in need. (His character is disposed to do good.)

Advanced Usage

• "To show benevolence towards someone": to demonstrate kindness or goodwill directed at a specific person or group.
  • The king showed great benevolence towards the refugees.
• "An air of benevolence": a demeanor or appearance that suggests a kindly and charitable nature.
  • The old professor spoke with an air of benevolence.

Variants and Related Words

• Benevolent (adj): showing or motivated by kindness and a desire to do good.
  • She is a benevolent leader who cares for her employees.
• Benevolently (adv): in a kind and well-meaning manner.
  • He smiled benevolently at the children.

Synonyms

• Kindness: the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
• Goodwill: friendly, helpful, or cooperative feelings or attitude.
• Charity: the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need; also can mean leniency in judgment.
• Altruism: the belief in or practice of selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Antonyms

• Malevolence: the state or condition of having a wish to do evil to others.
• Malice: the intention or desire to do evil; ill will.
• Selfishness: the quality of being concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "The milk of human kindness": This idiom, popularized by Shakespeare, refers to natural human compassion and benevolence.
  • He seems stern, but he has the milk of human kindness.
• "A heart of gold": used to describe a very kind, generous, and benevolent person.
  • Despite her wealth, she has a heart of gold and helps many charities.

Noun

1. an act intending or showing kindness and good will
2. an inclination to do kind or charitable acts
3. disposition to do good