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

• 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

The Andante cantabile offers benevolence tinged with shadow, its harmonies turning suddenly ominous. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025

To have denied his parents the ability to protect him from persecution would be a cruelty; to have offered them an affordable alternative, a form of benevolence. —Chandler Fritz, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025

Behind her dark wardrobe and dour demeanor lies benevolence and bravery. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2025

More than $2,300 was reported as benevolence. —Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025

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