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.
© ALL rights are reserved.
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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".
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.
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.
© ALL rights are reserved.
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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.
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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."
