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 \-ˈnig-nə-tē\ noun

— be·nign·ly \-ˈnīn-lē\ adverb