-lənt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene well + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to will, wish — more at will
1. : marked by a kindly disposition to promote the happiness and prosperity of others or by generosity in and pleasure at doing good works
a benevolent donor
2. : marked by or suggestive of goodwill or benign feelings : lacking any hostility
a benevolent judge
a benevolent smile
3. : arising from or prompted by motives of charity or a sense of benevolence : philanthropic
a benevolent society
• be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb
• be·nev·o·lent·ness noun -es