benevolent

USAGE SUMMARY

'benevolent' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective which means having or showing kindness and concern for others. Example sentence: The benevolent philanthropist donated millions of dollars to various charities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A survey earlier this year conducted by the benevolent fund of the Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) asked 500 cricketers present and past a range of questions about mental and physical health.

The Guardian - Sport

But his behaviour was not always in this benevolent category, said Hughes.

The Guardian

I could be persuaded to put a more benevolent interpretation on so much of what you have done, if it weren't for the fact that parallel to the assault on liberty has been your move against Parliament in favour of giving the Executive more arbitrary powers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The MGNREGA came into being not because of a benevolent government, but because of pressure from social movements and rural workers.

The Guardian

That they recovered to make 278 and cause more than few jitters through the England camp as the ball flew the boundary was down in part to some powerful hitting and in no small measure to some benevolent bowling that tended to put the ball into the arc of the bat swing rather nicely.

The Guardian - Sport

Even once you've posted your first tweet, there are plenty of opportunities for benevolent lurking – opportunities most people don't make use of.

The Guardian - Opinion

In general people who speak a little slower tend to be perceived as more friendly or benevolent while we often associate things like competence and authority with people who speak a little faster.

The Guardian

The greatest playwright of his age, a simultaneously benevolent and aquiline figure, wore the clothes he had worn all day – a creased safari jacket over a crumpled open-necked shirt, slacks and trainers.

The Guardian

In the US, benevolent innovation by the private sector (be it for profit or not for profit) to improve quality and reduce costs is still very rare when compared with the relentless drive of hospitals and physicians to make money and expand, regardless of underlying health care needs or the reality of limited family, employer or state budgets.

The Guardian

The popular image of him as warm, wise and kindly was absolutely true but he was never just a benevolent uncle.

The Guardian - Sport

I suppose childhood years watching the benevolent, silver-starred heroes of the TV screen had me believing that this was the land of Range Riders, Lone Rangers and Wyatt Earp good guys.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "benevolent" to describe actions or entities that consistently demonstrate goodwill and a desire to improve the well-being of others. For example, "a benevolent dictator" or "a benevolent fund".

Common error

Avoid using "benevolent" to describe actions that are simply kind or helpful but lack a deeper motivation to benefit others. "Benevolent" implies a sustained, intentional effort to promote good.

Linguistic Context

The word "benevolent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe them as kind, charitable, and well-meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "benevolent" is a versatile adjective used to describe entities or actions characterized by kindness and a desire to do good. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts. The examples demonstrate usage in fields such as news, sports, opinion pieces, and more. When considering related terms, remember that while alternatives like “charitable” or “altruistic” share similar meanings, they carry unique nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charitable

Emphasizes the act of giving to those in need, focusing on financial or material assistance.

altruistic

Highlights selfless concern for the well-being of others, often at one's own expense.

compassionate

Focuses on showing empathy and understanding towards those who are suffering.

generous

Stresses the willingness to give freely and abundantly, whether it be time, resources, or affection.

kindhearted

Highlights the inherent kindness and warmth of a person's nature.

magnanimous

Implies a noble and forgiving spirit, especially towards rivals or inferiors.

philanthropic

Refers to organized efforts to improve the lives of others, often through large-scale projects or institutions.

humane

Emphasizes compassion and consideration for all living beings, especially in the treatment of animals.

well-meaning

Suggests good intentions, even if the actions may not always be effective or well-received.

big-hearted

Implies a generous and forgiving nature, with a capacity for great empathy and understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "benevolent" in a sentence?

You can use "benevolent" to describe someone or something that is kind, generous, and well-meaning. For example, "The "benevolent ruler" cared deeply for his people" or "The organization was funded by a "benevolent foundation"".

What are some synonyms for "benevolent"?

Alternatives to "benevolent" include "charitable", "altruistic", "compassionate", "generous", and "kindhearted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to describe an organization as "benevolent"?

Yes, it is appropriate to describe an organization as "benevolent" if it consistently demonstrates a commitment to improving the lives of others through charitable acts and goodwill. For example, "a "benevolent organization" dedicated to helping children".

What is the difference between "benevolent" and "beneficial"?

"Benevolent" describes someone or something that is kind, generous, and well-meaning, focusing on intentions and character. "Beneficial", on the other hand, describes something that produces good results or advantages, focusing on outcomes.