beneficent

[buh-nef-uh-suh nt] /bəˈnɛf ə sənt/

adjective

doing good or causing good to be done; conferring benefits; kindly in action or purpose.

Origin

Related forms

beneficently, adverb

nonbeneficent, adjective

nonbeneficently, adverb

unbeneficent, adjective

unbeneficently, adverb

Can be confused

beneficent, munificent.

Examples from the web for beneficent

They should rather be regarded in the light of boons presented by beneficent nature, for with meat came tooth-picks.
For those in a beneficent mood, the centre is also accepting donations.
He will be on again soon to talk about those usually beneficent bacteria.
It exalts and purifies the beholder, and exerts a moral influence in every way salutary and beneficent.
Mort was a warm, wise and beneficent individual who will be sorely missed.
He was by no means always right in his conclusions or beneficent in his influence.
Her father is a beneficent presence on the show, but one represented only by a speakerphone.
They have ridden the pay-per-view wave to magnificent riches and are now seeking to appear beneficent.
Though apparently it means submission to a beneficent law, in reality the sign is a heartless, cruel joke.
We are escorted on every hand through life by spiritual agents, and a beneficent purpose lies in wait for us.

British Dictionary definitions for beneficent

/bɪˈnɛfɪsənt/

adjective

charitable; generous

Derived Forms

beneficently, adverb

Word Origin

C17: from Latin beneficent-, from beneficus; see benefice

Word Origin and History for beneficent

adj.

1610s, "doing good, charitable," probably from beneficent on model of magnificent, etc.