benign

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Not harmful or dangerous, especially describing a tumour that is not cancerous.

   The doctor confirmed that the lump was benign.

2. 2
   adj

   Kind, gentle, and friendly.

   The old man gave the children a benign smile.

3. 3
   adj

   Pleasant and favourable; not causing harm.

   The new policy created a benign environment for small businesses.

From Middle English benigne, benygne, from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus (“kind, good”), from bene (“well”) + genus (“origin, kind”). Compare malign.

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