beneficence

be·nef·i·cence

noun \bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s\

Definition of BENEFICENCE

1

: the quality or state of being beneficent

2

: benefaction

Examples of BENEFICENCE

1. <the town library stays open primarily through beneficences from concerned residents>
2. <a religious leader whose beneficence is felt by all who meet him>

Origin of BENEFICENCE

Latin beneficentia, from beneficus

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to BENEFICENCE

Synonyms: alms, benefaction, contribution, charity, donation, philanthropy

Antonyms: barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality, brutishness, callousness, cold-bloodedness, cruelty, hard-heartedness, heartlessness, inhumanity, insensateness, savageness, savagery, unfeelingness, unkindliness, unkindness

Related Words: offering, tithe; bequest, endowment, legacy; aid, assistance, dole, handout, relief, welfare; grant, subsidy; benevolence, bestowal, largesse (also largess), present, presentation

Near Antonyms: mercilessness, pitilessness, ruthlessness; inconsiderateness, insensitivity, thoughtlessness; grimness, harshness, severity, sternness, toughness; hatefulness, malevolence, maliciousness, meanness, spitefulness, virulence, vitriol

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