a benevolent man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a benevolent man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is kind, generous, and well-meaning towards others. Example: "The community admired him as a benevolent man who always helped those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

He is a benevolent man.

The New Yorker

A benevolent man he was a major benefactor to many charities.

The New York Times

In his 30's he was appointed governor of a region where, Mrs. Reischauer informs us, "sexual mores were notoriously loose". Matsukata, who seems to have been a benevolent man, distinguished himself by setting up a nursery to take care of the living results of all this looseness.

The New York Times - Books

There is this fantastic story of a benevolent man who travels to your house and brings your hearts' desires for the cookies you left behind as an offering.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

A pious and benevolent man with a keen interest in state affairs, he favoured reform and appointed able grand viziers to whom he entrusted wide powers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It too begins by citing the benevolent person as an ethical paradigm, but here the opening move is to establish, by analogy, the attitude of the filial son toward his parents as a model for that of the benevolent man toward society: "The benevolent person's planning on behalf of the world, to give an analogy, is in no respect different from the filial son's planning on behalf of his parents".

SEP

As I read A Crack in Creation, I was reminded of Benjamin Franklin's "benevolent man", who, he wrote, "should allow a few faults in himself, to keep his friends in countenance" — and, I would add, to give him- or herself more depth.

Nature

It's about recovering substance abusers who live in an unusual group home, one that's owned and run by Jim Keith Poulsonn), a benevolent young man with an authoritarian streak.

The New Yorker

Tom Strong is a benevolent warrior wise man in the Doc Savage mold from which Superman himself was cast; Promethea, a kind of self-made muse, is a spirit of creativity, with roots in personified patron saints from pagan myth (Athena) to pre-World War II patriotic mascots (Britannia, Columbia).

Britannica

All were survived by Thomas, who remained virtually a relic of the bygone Colonial era and whom his obituarist in the Newport Mercury honoured as one of the century's most humane and benevolent men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But with the billionaire now testing the waters for a presidential run as an independent, hoping to win over middle-of-the-road voters dissatisfied with both parties, the episode says plenty about how he fashions himself a benevolent executive and man of compromise.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a benevolent man", provide specific examples of his actions to support the claim and make it more impactful.

Common error

While "benevolent" is a positive descriptor, it can sound overly formal or even pompous in casual conversation. Consider using simpler synonyms like "kind", "generous", or "caring" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a benevolent man" functions as a noun phrase, where 'benevolent' modifies 'man', describing a specific quality. As Ludwig AI states, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a benevolent man" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to describe a man known for his kindness and generosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid phrase in English. While "benevolent" can sometimes sound formal, its use across various sources, from news articles to encyclopedias, positions it within a neutral register. When employing the phrase, it's best to support it with specific examples of the man's actions to enhance the description's impact. Synonyms like "kind", "generous", or "compassionate" can offer alternatives depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a kind man

Replaces "benevolent" with a simpler, more common synonym, focusing on kindness.

a compassionate man

Emphasizes his empathy and concern for the suffering of others.

a generous man

Highlights the man's generosity as a key aspect of his benevolence.

a man of goodwill

Focuses on his positive intentions and his desire to do good in the world.

a charitable man

Emphasizes his involvement in charitable activities and his willingness to give.

a humane man

Emphasizes his kindness and compassion towards all living beings.

a humanitarian

Focuses on his concern for human welfare and his efforts to improve the lives of others.

a magnanimous man

Highlights his generosity and forgiveness, especially towards those less fortunate.

a man with a big heart

Uses a more figurative expression to describe his kindness and generosity.

a philanthropic man

Highlights his dedication to philanthropic causes and his support for worthy organizations.

FAQs

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

You can use "a benevolent man" to describe someone known for their kindness and generosity, such as, "The community admired him as "a benevolent man" who always helped those in need".

What are some synonyms for "a benevolent man"?

Alternatives to "a benevolent man" include "a kind man", "a generous man", or "a compassionate man", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a benevolent man" in formal writing?

Yes, "a benevolent man" is suitable for formal writing as it is a grammatically correct and sophisticated way to describe someone with positive qualities. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

What is the difference between "a benevolent man" and "a good man"?

"A good man" is a broader term that encompasses general moral goodness, while ""a benevolent man"" specifically highlights his kindness, generosity, and well-meaning actions towards others.