benevolence
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be·nev·o·lence

noun \bə-ˈnev-lən(t)s, -ˈne-və-\

Definition of BENEVOLENCE

1
: disposition to do good
2
a : an act of kindness
b : a generous gift
3
: a compulsory levy by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative

Examples of BENEVOLENCE

  1. <self-effacing as well as selfless, he refused all public acknowledgement of his many benevolences to the community>
  2. <her benevolence towards her employees was such that she actually let one live in her home temporarily>

First Known Use of BENEVOLENCE

14th century

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