bene-, ben-, beni-

(Latin: good, well)

benign (adjective), more benign, most benign
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".

Pertaining to kindness and favorable treatment.
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benignant (adjective), more benignant, most benignant
1. Conveying kindness and graciousness in behavior or appearance: The actress, despite her fame, always displayed a benignant attitude towards her fans.
2. Relating to a favorable and desirable situation: There was a warm and benignant breeze blowing up from the river during the afternoon.
3. Descriptive of the kind and courteous behavior of a ruler towards his or her subjects: Once on the throne, the king, who had been young and foolish, was soon beloved by his subjects because of his benignant goodwill towards everyone.
Relating to being kind and gracious with employees.
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benignity (s) (noun), benignities (pl)
1. Relating to a kindness and gentleness of attitude and appearance: No one would call the actress particularly beautiful, but most people would agree that there is a benignity regarding her appearance that enhances her charm and fascinates all of those who associate with her.
2. A kind or gracious act: After a stressful week, Mrs. Challace, the famed lawyer, enjoyed being home and receiving many benignities from her family; all of whom helped her relax and forget the burdens related to her profession.
benignly (adverb), more benignly, most benignly
Relating to a mild type or characteristic that does not threaten health or life; harmless and inoffensive: The police officer benignly smiled at the motorist as he drove up next to the car while the driver was waiting for the traffic light to turn green.
benison (s) (noun), benisons (pl)
1. A blessing or an expression of good wishes : The president of the theological seminary asked one of the professors, Mr. Jones, to give the benison at the end of the graduation ceremony.
2. Etymology: from Middle English, which came from Old French beneison; from Latin benedictio, "praising".
Biometrics: Benefits of Biometrics in Controlling Access
A biometric tool that measures bodily features for better security.
Melius bene imperare quam imperium ampliare.
Translation: "It is more important to reign the empire well than to increase it."

Motto of King Rudolf of Habsburg, Germany (1273-1291).

Nota bene; n.b., N.B.
Note well or Take careful note; Take notice.
omnibenevolence (s) (noun), omnibenevolences (pl)
Universal generosity, kindness, acts of charity or support for all, without prejudice: There are some nongovernmental organizations in poor countries which are acting under a mandate of omnibenevolence by extending their help to everyone possible.
omnibenevolent (adjective), more omnibenevolent, most omnibenevolent
A reference to showing goodwill, kindness, and charitableness for all people: Food was being distributed as an omnibenevolent gift to all of the flood victims.
Patria est, ubicumque est bene.
Translation: "Where ever we are content, that is our country."

A motto by Marcus Pacuvilus (c. 220 - c. 130 B.C.) who wrote fourteen plays and a satire. Only fragments of the plays survive.

Pro mundi beneficio. (Latin motto)
Translation: "For the benefit of the world."
Quam bene vivas refert, non quam diu. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "The important thing is not how long you live, but how well you live."
Quotes: Generosity, Benevolence, Altruism
Worthy traits to have within ourselves: generosity, altruism quotes.
Ubi bene ibi patria. (Latin motto)
Translation: "I owe my allegiance to the country in which I prosper."

Related good-word units: agatho-, bon-, eu-.


Word groups which are antonyms of this unit: caco-, dys-, mal-, mis-.