beneficence

noun

be·​nef·​i·​cence bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of doing or producing good : the quality or state of being beneficent

admired for her beneficence

2

: benefaction

bestow your beneficences generously

—W. L. Sullivan

Synonyms

• alms
• benefaction
• charity
• contribution
• donation
• philanthropy

Examples of beneficence in a Sentence

the town library stays open primarily through beneficences from concerned residents

a religious leader whose beneficence is felt by all who meet him

Recent Examples on the Web

As a result, the National Research Act of 1974 led to the Belmont Report, which identified ethical principles essential to human research: respect for persons, beneficence and justice. —Christine Coughlin, The Conversation, 9 May 2025

Had there been even a modicum of creativity and beneficence in the baseball offices abutting the Allegheny, the team could have had their cake and eaten it too. —Dan Freedman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Toobin’s thesis is brashly revisionist; Ford’s pardon of Richard Nixon has gone down in history as a great act of beneficence. —Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 11 Feb. 2025

Professional guidelines, such as those set by the American Psychological Association, emphasize the principles of integrity, justice and beneficence. —Philip Caldwell, Baltimore Sun, 12 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficentia, from beneficus — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

beneficence

noun

be·​nef·​i·​cence bə-ˈnef-ə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being beneficent

2

: benefaction