benevolent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   generous in assistance to the poor

   a benevolent contributor

2. 2
   adj

   intending or showing kindness

   a benevolent society

3. 3
   adj

   Having a disposition to do good.

   Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent.

4. 4
   adj

   Altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.

   This bill was not a gift from a benevolent legislature; it was a victory for the community which worked for its passage.

5. 5
   adj

   generous in providing aid to others

6. 6
   adj

   showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

7. 7
   adj

   Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.

Etymology

From Old French benevolent, borrowed from Latin benevolēns ("benevolent"). Displaced native Old English welwillende (literally well-wishing).