a benevolent gesture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a benevolent gesture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is kind, generous, or intended to help others without expecting anything in return. Example: "Her donation to the local shelter was truly a benevolent gesture that made a significant impact on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To those who view Jazz at Lincoln Center, incompletely, as a repository of the past, his inclusion might have seemed a benevolent gesture from a reluctant institution.

The New York Times - Arts

It was marketed as a benevolent gesture to those who could not see the play in London, but even as someone who queued for at least four Harry Potter books, it was hard to imagine kids lining up for screeds of stage directions.

The Guardian - Books

The first New Deal wasn't handed down by Franklin Roosevelt as a benevolent gesture.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This donation is just one a few benevolent gestures Kardashian recently offered up to deserving organizations.

Huffington Post

The Weeknd's benevolent gesture follows his reported $50,000 donation to University of Toronto in an effort to help the school develop an Ethiopic Studies program.

Huffington Post

All over India there are images of the man, right arm raised in the benevolent gesture of good fortune.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the state senator retired, he worked with his successor to introduce and win passage of legislation that allowed a "safe harbor" for people to offer "benevolent gestures expressing sympathy or a general sense of benevolence," said Professor Cohen, who has written extensively on the intersection of law and apologies.

The New York Times

As a charitable gesture?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Watch above as Zaidi roams Islamabad, cleaning car windows, buying ice cream for guards and performing all manner of benevolent gestures.

Huffington Post

The arbiter smiled a benevolent smile that suggested he has seen better dives, and gestured the Peruvian to stay on his feet and play the game.

The New York Times - Sports

But a benevolent one".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a benevolent gesture" when you want to emphasize the positive intention and impact of an action, especially when the giver may not directly benefit.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, "a benevolent gesture" can sound overly formal or sentimental in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "kind act" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a benevolent gesture" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, describing an action or offering characterized by kindness and goodwill. Ludwig shows its common use in news and media.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a benevolent gesture" is a noun phrase used to describe a kind and generous act intended to benefit others. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig indicates that it's relatively rare. It is often found in news and media contexts and leans towards a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider whether simpler alternatives like "kind act" might be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind deed

Replaces 'gesture' with 'deed', focusing on the action's nature.

a generous act

Emphasizes the generosity behind the action.

an act of kindness

Highlights the kindness inherent in the gesture.

a selfless act

Focuses on the lack of self-interest in the action.

a compassionate action

Highlights the empathy and compassion driving the act.

an altruistic deed

Uses a more formal term for selfless behavior.

a charitable contribution

Focuses on the aspect of giving or donating.

a humane act

Emphasizes the act's positive impact on humanity.

a philanthropic endeavor

Suggests a larger-scale, more organized act of giving.

a humanitarian effort

Suggests a broader effort to improve human welfare.

FAQs

How can I use "a benevolent gesture" in a sentence?

You can use "a benevolent gesture" to describe an action intended to benefit others. For example, "Her donation to the charity was "a benevolent gesture" that helped many people".

What are some alternatives to saying "a benevolent gesture"?

Alternatives include "a kind act", "a generous act", or "an act of kindness". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "benevolent gesture" formal or informal?

"Benevolent gesture" leans towards the formal side. While understandable in most contexts, simpler terms might be preferred in casual conversations.

What distinguishes "a benevolent gesture" from a simple act of kindness?

"A benevolent gesture" often implies a degree of formality or significance, suggesting a more considered and impactful action than a simple "act of kindness".