adj.
Pronunciation: -l ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish ― more at WILL
Date: 15th century
1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good <a benevolent donor> b : organized for the purpose of doing good <a benevolent society>
2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill < benevolent smiles>
– be · nev · o · lent · ly adverb
– be · nev · o · lent · ness noun