1. Descriptive of a person who has a kind and gentle disposition or appearance: Jim's benign and friendly countenance belied his stern personality and mannerisms.
2. Referring to a disorder which is not a threat to life or long-term health; especially, by being noncancerous: Dr. Anderson, the plastic surgeon, removed a benign, or harmless, growth from the side of Carol’s nose.
3. Pertaining to something which is neutral or harmless in its effect or influence and does not threaten one's health or life: Although benign forgetfulness is an inability to immediately remember a name or a date, the item is usually recalled in a short time.

Medical placebos are intended to have a benign effect on patients during medical research trials and experiments.
4. Relating to a condition which is mild or favorable in effect: Jack's family enjoyed their vacation at the lake because there was such a benign climate there.
5. A reference to a situation which is favorable for a recovery with appropriate management: The finance minister attempted to reassure voters that the economy was in a benign status and would improve soon.
6. Etymology: from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus, "good, kind"; literally, "well born", from bene, "well" + gignere, "to bear, to beget", from genus, "birth".

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