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Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary be·nev·o·lent \\-lənt\\ adjective ETYMOLOGY Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish — more at will
DATE 15th century
1. a. marked by or disposed to doing good a benevolent donor b. organized for the purpose of doing good a benevolent society2. marked by or suggestive of goodwill benevolent smiles• be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb• be·nev·o·lent·ness noun
benevolent late 15 c., "wishing to do good, kindly," from O.Fr
http://O.Fr . benevolent, from L. benevolentem ( nom. benevolens) "wishing (someone) well, benevolent," related to benevolentia "good feeling" (see benevolence).
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary-牛津双解-OALD7 benevolentbe·nevo·lent / bE5nevElEnt / adjective1. ( formal) (especially of people in authority 尤指当权者) kind, helpful and generous 慈善的；行善的；乐善好施的: a benevolent smile / attitude 和蔼的笑容/态度 belief in the existence of a benevolent god 对于仁慈的神之存在的笃信 OPP malevolent 2. used in the names of some organizations that give help and money to people in need (用于慈善机构名称): the RAF Benevolent Fund 英国皇家空军慈善基金(组织) • be·nevo·lence / bE5nevElEns / noun [U] • be·nevo·lent·ly adv.
Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged be·nev·o·lent\-lənt\ adjectiveEtymology: Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene well + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to will, wish — more at will 1. : marked by a kindly disposition to promote the happiness and prosperity of others or by generosity in and pleasure at doing good works < a benevolent donor >2. : marked by or suggestive of goodwill or benign feelings : lacking any hostility < a benevolent judge > < a benevolent smile >3. : arising from or prompted by motives of charity or a sense of benevolence : philanthropic < a benevolent society >• be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb• be·nev·o·lent·ness noun -es
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