benevolence

noun

be·​nev·​o·​lence bə-ˈne-və-lən(t)s 

-ˈnev-

1

: disposition to do good

a king known for his benevolence

2

a

: an act of kindness

b

: a generous gift

3

: a compulsory contribution or tax levied by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative (see prerogative sense 1b)

Did you know?

Part of benevolence comes from the Latin root meaning "wish". The novels of Charles Dickens often include a benevolent figure who rescues the main characters at some point—Mr. Brownlow in Oliver Twist, Abel Magwitch in Great Expectations, Mr. Jarndyce in Bleak House, Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. To be benevolent, it helps to have money, but it's not necessary; kind assistance of a nonfinancial sort may turn out to be lifesaving benevolence as well.

Synonyms of benevolence

• kindness
• service
• mercy
• privilege
• grace

Examples of benevolence in a Sentence

self-effacing as well as selfless, he refused all public acknowledgement of his many benevolences to the community

her benevolence towards her employees was such that she actually let one live in her home temporarily

Recent Examples on the Web

He is loved as kings are loved, for their power and for their benevolence, and also for their distance. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 24 July 2026

Now your benevolence and friendship offers us beautiful Europe and great America as fatherlands. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

These firms often present self-dealing as benevolence, playing to win in ways that erode trust and long-term resilience. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 14 June 2026

That might appear to be pay-it-forward benevolence from Stankoven. — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see benevolent

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for benevolence

• malevolence
• prevalence
• seroprevalence

Kids Definition

benevolence

noun

be·​nev·​o·​lence bə-ˈnev(-ə)-lən(t)s 

: kindness, generosity