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

• contribution
• donation

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

Worse, five sisters have tried to save its life, defying both the mysterious beneficence that brought the fish to shore and local norms dictating that it must be killed for food. —Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 10 Aug. 2025

But their beneficence has spoken volumes about their values. —Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 27 July 2025

Paula Keeler, 74, took a break from her recent shift inspecting produce to discuss the organization’s beneficence. —Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025

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

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