benevolence
A warm, kind feeling that makes a person want to help and do good for other people.
A genuine desire to do good and to act kindly and helpfully toward others.
A single helpful and generous action that is done to be kind to someone.
A particular act of kindness or generosity intended to help someone.
An old word in British history for money that a king asked people to pay as a gift, even though they could not easily refuse.
In English history, a sum of money requested by a monarch from subjects as a kind of forced gift, not passed as a formal tax by Parliament.
- Base: benevolence
- Plural: benevolence
an act of benevolence
1single helpful kind action
One clear action that shows kindness and a wish to help someone.
- Paying for the stranger’s meal was a simple act of benevolence.
- The letter described the rescue as an extraordinary act of benevolence.
- Every small act of benevolence makes the city a better place.
benevolence and goodwill
1kindness and friendly good intention
Kind, helpful feelings together with a friendly wish for others to be well.
- The agreement was signed in a spirit of benevolence and goodwill.
- They welcomed the visitors with benevolence and goodwill.
- True diplomacy depends on mutual benevolence and goodwill.
out of benevolence
1for reasons of kindness
Because of a kind and generous feeling; as a way to help, not because of duty or payment.
- She offered legal advice out of benevolence, not for money.
- They forgave the debt out of benevolence toward the struggling family.
- The donor made the contribution purely out of benevolence.
with benevolence
1in a kind and generous way
In a way that shows kind and generous feelings.
- The judge spoke with benevolence, explaining the decision gently.
- She looked at the children with benevolence rather than anger.
- The manager handled the mistake with benevolence instead of blame.