adj. 1. a. Characterized by or given to doing good: "a benevolent philanthropist who donated the funds to found the town library" (Willie Morris). b. Suggestive of doing good; agreeable: a benevolent smile. 2. Relating to a charitable organization that operates without making a profit. [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin benevolēns, benevolent- : bene, well; see deu-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + volēns, present participle of velle, to wish; see wel-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] be·nevo·lent·ly adv. Synonyms: benevolent, charitable, eleemosynary, philanthropic These adjectives mean of, concerned with, providing, or provided by charity: a benevolent fund; a charitable foundation; eleemosynary relief; philanthropic contributions. See Also Synonyms at kind1. |
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