Main Entry:

be·nev·o·lent

Pronunciation:

\-lənt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish — more at will

Date:

15th century

1 a: marked by or disposed to doing good <a benevolent donor> b: organized for the purpose of doing good <a benevolent society>2: marked by or suggestive of goodwill <benevolent smiles>

— be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb

— be·nev·o·lent·ness noun