English Dictionary

Definition of “benevolence

benevolence (bɪˈnɛvələnsPronunciation for benevolence

Definitions

noun

  1. inclination or tendency to help or do good to others; charity
  2. an act of kindness
  3. (in the Middle Ages) a forced loan or contribution exacted by English kings from their nobility and subjects

Usage examples

  • He stormed out of the house, his brief mood of benevolence totally consumed by rage.
    Fraser, Christine Marion, Noble Beginnnings (1994)
  • The tiny building that they have was built on benevolence , with the two of them scrounging even boxes of tiles.
    India Today (1997)
  • For all his benevolence Saint Nicholas, it seems, was not averse to stating his point forcefully.
    Courier, Sunday Mail (2004)
  • Given more of the benevolence shown by Villa for most of the match, they might just make it.
    Sun, News of the World (1999)
  • She was positively beaming with benevolence , her face a mask of kindly implacability.
    Karen Armstrong, THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE (2004)

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