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Definition of Benevolence
1. Noun. Disposition to do good.
2. Noun. An inclination to do kind or charitable acts.
3. Noun. An act intending or showing kindness and good will.
Generic synonyms: Benignity, Kindness
Derivative terms: Benefact, Benevolent
Definition of Benevolence
1. n. The disposition to do good; good will; charitableness; love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness.
Definition of Benevolence
1. Noun. disposition to do good ¹
2. Noun. charitable kindness ¹
3. Noun. an altruistic gift or act ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Benevolence
1. [n -S]
Medical Definition of Benevolence
1. 1. The disposition to do good; good will; charitableness; love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness. "The wakeful benevolence of the gospel." (Chalmers) 2. An act of kindness; good done; charity given. 3. A species of compulsory contribution or tax, which has sometimes been illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of England, and falsely represented as a gratuity. Synonym: Benevolence, Beneficence, Munificence. Benevolence marks a disposition made up of a choice and desire for the happiness of others. Beneficence marks the working of this disposition in dispensing good on a somewhat broad scale. Munificence shows the same disposition, but acting on a still broader scale, in conferring gifts and favors. These are not necessarily confined to objects of immediate utility. One may show his munificence in presents of pictures or jewelry, but this would not be beneficence. Benevolence of heart; beneficence of life; munificence in the encouragement of letters. Origin: OF. Benevolence, L. Benevolentia. See Benevolent. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Benevolence
Literary usage of Benevolence
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. The Theory of Moral Sentiments;, Or,, An Essay Towards an Analysis of the by Adam Smith (1804)
"... in benevolence, though I think not fo ancient as all of ... benevolence or
love was the fole principle of action, and directed the exertion of all the ..."
2. A Treatise on Human Nature: Being an Attempt to Introduce the Experimental by David Hume, Thomas Hill Green (1874)
"Where he first treats of benevolence, indeed, this does not appear. ... This actual
sequence of ' benevolence ' and ' anger' severally upon love and hatred ..."
3. The Elements of Moral Science by Francis Wayland (1856)
"Benevolence TO THE WICKED. WE now come to treat of a form of benevolence, in
which other elements are combined. What is our duty to our fellow-men who are ..."
4. Dictionary of Philosophy and Psychology: Including Many of the Principal by James Mark Baldwin (1901)
"The definite recognition of benevolence as a virtue which should be placed
alongside of the cardinal virtues of the ancients is a result of Christian ..."
5. The Works of Hannah More by Hannah More (1830)
"WHETHER Benevolence PROCEEDS FROM A RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLE WILL BE MORE INFALLIBLY
KNOWN BY THE GENERAL DISPOSITION OF TIME, FORTUNE, AND THE COMMON HABITS OF ..."
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