/ bɪˈnefɪsnt; NAmE / adjective
( formal ) giving help; showing kindness
SYN generous
► be·nefi·cence / bɪˈnefɪsns; NAmE / noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: from Latin beneficent- (stem of beneficentior , comparative of beneficus favourable, generous), from bene facere do good (to).