Definition of BENEVOLENCE

benevolence

Meanings

Plural: benevolences

Noun

  • disposition to do good
  • an inclination to do kind or charitable acts
  • an act intending or showing kindness and good will
  • Disposition to do good.
  • Charitable kindness.
  • An altruistic gift or act.
  • A kind of forced loan or contribution levied by kings without legal authority, first so called under Edward IV in 1473.

Origin / Etymology

Circa 1400, original sense “good will, disposition to do good”, Old French benivolence from Latin benevolentia (also directly from Latin), literally “good will”, from bene (“well, good”) + volentia, form of volēns, form of volō (“I wish”), components cognate to English benefit and voluntary, more distantly will (via Proto-Indo-European).

Synonyms

benefaction

Antonyms

malevolence

Scrabble Score: 18

benevolence is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
benevolence is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
benevolence is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 24

benevolence is a valid Words With Friends word