Definition of Benevolently. Meaning of Benevolently. Synonyms of Benevolently
Here you will find one or more explanations in English for the word Benevolently.
Also in the bottom left of the page several parts of wikipedia pages related to the word Benevolently and, of course, Benevolently synonyms and on the right images related to the word Benevolently.
Definition of Benevolently
Benevolently Benevolent Be*nev"o*lent, a. [L. benevolens, -entis; bene well
(adv. of bonus good) + volens, p. pr. of volo I will, I wish.
See Bounty, and Voluntary.]
Having a disposition to do good; possessing or manifesting
love to mankind, and a desire to promote their prosperity and
happiness; disposed to give to good objects; kind;
charitable. -- Be*nev"o*lent*ly, adv.
Syn: Benevolent, Beneficent.
Usage: Etymologically considered, benevolent implies wishing
well to others, and beneficent, doing well. But by
degrees the word benevolent has been widened to
include not only feelings, but actions; thus, we speak
of benevolent operations, benevolent labors for the
public good, benevolent societies. In like manner,
beneficent is now often applied to feelings; thus, we
speak of the beneficent intentions of a donor. This
extension of the terms enables us to mark nicer shades
of meaning. Thus, the phrase ``benevolent labors'
turns attention to the source of these labors, viz.,
benevolent feeling; while beneficent would simply mark
them as productive of good. So, ``beneficent
intentions' point to the feelings of the donor as
bent upon some specific good act; while ``benevolent
intentions' would only denote a general wish and
design to do good.
