From Latin benevolens, the present participle of bene velle (to wish well), composed of bene (well) + velle (to wish, to will). The adjective entered English via Old French in the 15th century. It is the adjectival form of benevolence, sharing the same root velle as volunteer, volition, and — as its opposite — malevolent (wishing ill).
What does benevolent mean?
Benevolent means having or showing a kind, generous, and well-meaning disposition — intending or doing good. It describes a person ('a benevolent employer'), an act ('a benevolent gesture'), or an institution ('a benevolent society') organized for charitable purposes rather than profit.
What is the difference between benevolent and kind?
Kind is the everyday word for being friendly and caring. Benevolent is more formal and elevated — it implies genuine goodwill and magnanimity, often from someone with the power or means to do significant good. A monarch can be benevolent; a friend is more naturally described as kind.
What is a benevolent dictator?
A 'benevolent dictator' is a political theory concept describing an autocratic ruler who governs without democratic accountability but in the genuine interests of the people. The term is also used informally for any leader who makes unilateral decisions but with good intentions.
What are synonyms for benevolent?
Synonyms include kind, generous, charitable, magnanimous, beneficent, altruistic, philanthropic, humane. The antonym is malevolent. The related noun is benevolence; the adverb is benevolently.
Where does the word benevolent come from?
From Latin benevolens, from bene velle (to wish well), composed of bene (well) + velle (to wish). The root velle also appears in volunteer and volition. The direct opposite is malevolent, from male velle (to wish ill).