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Benevolence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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benevolence

[bษชหˆnษ›vษ™lษ™ns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

kindness

Benevolence is the quality of being kind and helpful. It is the act of doing good deeds without expecting anything in return. It is often associated with charity and generosity towards others.

Synonyms

charity, compassion, generosity, kindness.

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Word Description / Examples
benevolence

Used to describe an action or attitude that shows a desire to do good to others. It often refers to a quality of a person or an action driven by altruism.

  • He was known for his benevolence towards the poor.
  • Her benevolence was evident in her many acts of kindness.
kindness

Refers to the quality of being friendly, considerate, and gentle. It can describe both small, everyday acts and larger gestures.

  • She appreciated his kindness in helping her carry the groceries.
  • His kindness towards the staff made him a beloved boss.
generosity

Highlights the quality of being willing to give more of something, such as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.

  • Their generosity made it possible to build the new community center.
  • He is known for his generosity with his time and resources.
charity

Typically refers to the act of giving money, goods, or time to those in need. It is often associated with organizations that help people.

  • She donated a large sum of money to charity.
  • The charity event raised funds for the homeless.
compassion

Refers to a deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering. It emphasizes feeling and understanding pain or hardship and wanting to help.

  • He showed great compassion when he helped the injured animal.
  • Her compassion for the sick led her to become a nurse.

Examples of usage

  • She showed great benevolence towards the less fortunate.
  • His benevolence knew no bounds as he helped everyone in need.
  • The community was grateful for his benevolence in times of crisis.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argued that benevolence should be a guiding principle in ethical decision-making.
  • Utilitarianism advocates for actions that promote the greatest happiness, which often involves benevolent behavior.
  • The concept has been debated in terms of whether it is a moral obligation or a virtue of character.

Psychology

  • Studies show that acts of benevolence can increase personal happiness and well-being.
  • Psychologists point out that kindness creates a positive feedback loopโ€”when you help others, it can boost your own mood.
  • Benevolent actions have been linked to improved relationships and increased trust within communities.

Culture

  • Many cultures value benevolence as a key principle in social interactions, promoting empathy and altruism.
  • In Chinese culture, the concept of 'ren' embodies the idea of benevolence as a core virtue in Confucian teachings.
  • Religious teachings across the world, from Buddhism to Christianity, often highlight benevolence as a fundamental moral goal.

Literature

  • Benevolent characters are often depicted as heroes or saviors in novels, showcasing the power of kindness.
  • Classic works like Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' illustrate the transformation of characters through acts of benevolence.
  • Poets and writers have praised benevolence as a noble trait, linking it to human compassion and societal progress.

Origin of 'benevolence'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'benevolentia', where 'bene' means 'well' or 'good', and 'volent' means 'wishing' or 'willing'.
  • In the 14th century, it was adopted into English, maintaining its meaning of kindness and goodwill.
  • Its roots in 'bene' connect it to other English words like 'benefit' and 'benefactor', highlighting a theme of doing good.

The word 'benevolence' originated from the Latin word 'benevolentia', which means goodwill or kindness. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the act of being generous and charitable towards others. Throughout history, benevolence has been praised as a virtue that promotes harmony and compassion in society.

See also: benevolently.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,873, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.