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

Keeping faith in the benevolence of the Universe keeps the doors to abundance open. —Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 12 Jan. 2026

Nina Sikkersoq Kristoffersen, a Greenlandic activist in Copenhagen, feels that for too long Danes have expected Greenlanders to be grateful for their benevolence while minimizing the ways Denmark benefitted from the island’s natural resources. —Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026

After April, then fame, then drilling down on your right path, then help, protection, benevolence. —Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2026

Gabriel’s billionaire is, in his great benevolence, giving the help a few weeks off in Greece. —Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 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