 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Benign
Pronunciation : Be*nign"
Part of Speech : a.
Etymology : [OE. benigne, bening, OF. benigne, F. b?nin, fem. b?nigne, fr. L. benignus, contr. from benigenus; bonus good + root of genus kind. See Bounty, and Genus.]
Definition : 1. Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous; favorable; benignant. Creator bounteous and benign. Milton.
2. Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor, etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome. Kind influences and benign aspects. South.
3. Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.
Syn. -- Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable salutary; gracious; liberal.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
Merriam-Webster's Everyday Language Reference Set: Includes: The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, The Merriam-Webster Thesaurus, and The Merriam-Webster Vocabulary Builder                               |