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benign

Browse the Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

benign

Main Entry:: be·nign
Pronunciation:: \bi-ˈnīn\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Middle English benigne, from Anglo-French, from Latin benignus, from bene + gignere to beget — more at kin
Date:: 14th century

1: of a gentle disposition : gracious <a benign teacher>2 a: showing kindness and gentleness <benign faces> b: favorable, wholesome <a benign climate>3 a: of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life; especially : not becoming cancerous <a benign lung tumor> b: having no significant effect : harmless <environmentally benign>

— be·nig·ni·ty

Listen to the pronunciation of benignity

\-ˈnig-nə-tē\ noun

— be·nign·ly

Listen to the pronunciation of benignly

\-ˈnīn-lē\ adverb

Learn more about "benign" and related topics at Britannica.com

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