— benignly , adv.
/bi nuyn"/ , adj.
1. having a kindly disposition; gracious: a benign king.
2. showing or expressive of gentleness or kindness: a benign smile.
3. favorable; propitious: a series of benign omens and configurations in the heavens.
4. (of weather) salubrious; healthful; pleasant or beneficial.
5. Pathol. not malignant; self-limiting.
[ 1275-1325; ME benigne benigne (fem.), benin (masc.) benignus kind, generous, equiv. to beni-, comb. form of bonus good (see BENE-) + -gnus, deriv. of the base of gignere to beget (see GENITOR, GENUS), hence, perh., "good by nature"; cf. MALIGN ]
Syn. 1. good, kindly, benignant, benevolent, tender, humane, gentle, compassionate.
Ant. 3. sinister.