adj.
Pronunciation: bi- ' n ī n
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English benigne, from Anglo-French, from Latin benignus, from bene + gignere to beget ― more at KIN
Date: 14th century
1 : of a gentle disposition : GRACIOUS <a benign teacher>
2 a : showing kindness and gentleness < benign faces> b : FAVORABLE , WHOLESOME <a benign climate>
3 a : of a mild type or character that does not threaten health or life especially : not becoming cancerous <a benign lung tumor> b : having no significant effect : HARMLESS <environmentally benign >
– be · nig · ni · ty \ - ' nig-n ə -t ē \ noun
– be · nign · ly \ - ' n ī n-l ē \ adverb