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