Join Us On

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

Spanish Central

Browse Dictionary Browse Thesaurus

Get our free apps!iPhone•iPad•Android

Word of the Day

Blog: Words at Play

Dictionary

benevolence

noun be·nev·o·lence \bə-ˈnev-lən(t)s, -ˈne-və-\

Definition of BENEVOLENCE

1

: disposition to do good

2

a : an act of kindness

b : a generous gift

3

: a compulsory levy by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative

See benevolence defined for kids

ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of BENEVOLENCE

14th century

Related to BENEVOLENCE

Synonyms: favor, boon, courtesy, grace, indulgence, kindness, mercy, service, turn

Antonyms: ill will, malevolence, venom

BENEVOLENCE Defined for Kids

benevolence

noun be·nev·o·lence \bə-ˈne-və-ləns\

Definition of BENEVOLENCE for Kids

: kindness 1, generosity

Learn More About BENEVOLENCE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "benevolence"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "benevolence"

Nglish: Translation of "benevolence" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "benevolence" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "benevolence"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: benevolentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: BeneventanAll Words Near: benevolence

ADVERTISEMENT

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up benevolence? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Join Us

Merriam-Webster
on Facebook

Merriam-Webster
on Twitter

Bookstore: Digital and Print

Merriam-Webster references for Mobile, Kindle, print, and more.

See All

Other Merriam-Webster Dictionaries

© Merriam-Webster, Incorporated