[be.nev.o.lent] adj [ME, fr. L benevolent-, benevolens, fr. bene + volent-, volens, prp. of velle to wish--more at will] (15c) 1 a: marked by or disposed to doing good "a ~ donor" b: organized for the purpose of doing good "a ~ society"
2: marked by or suggestive of goodwill "~ smiles" -- be.nev.o.lent.ly adv -- be.nev.o.lent.ness n