benevolence
pronunciation
How to pronounce benevolence in British English:
UK [bəˈnevələns]
How to pronounce benevolence in American English:
US [bəˈnevələns]
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- Noun:
- disposition to do good
- an inclination to do kind or charitable acts
- an act intending or showing kindness and good will
Word Origin
- benevolence (n.)
- c. 1400, "disposition to do good," from Old French benivolence and directly from Latin benevolentia "good feeling, good will, kindness," from bene "well" (see bene-) + volantem (nominative volens) present participle of velle "to wish" (see will (v.)). In English history, this was the name given to forced extra-legal loans or contributions to the crown, first so called 1473 by Edward IV, who cynically "asked" it as a token of good will toward his rule.
Synonym
Antonym
Example
- 1. Benevolence can never be measured in money .
- 2. The autopsy benevolence says police on the spot what .
- 3. We definitely do not apply a policy of benevolence to the reactionaries .
- 4. They did not discuss benevolence and righteousness until made clear tao and virtue .
- 5. Part of the problem is that french voters are notorious for their belief in the state 's benevolence and the market 's heartless cruelty .