bene-, ben-, beni-

Translation: "From official (duties) and benefits."

A suspension from a job and the remunerations or pay which come with it.

Translation: "To win good will."

For the purpose of winning good will.

Translation: "Punish slowly, do good quickly."

Motto of Henry I (918-936) who forced the dukes of Bavaria and Swabia to recognize his authority. He protected Saxony against the Slavs by building several fortresses and by creating a powerful cavalry which he used to defeat the invading Magyars on the Unstrut River in 933.

King Henry succeeded in annexing the key Carolingian realm of Lorraine to the east Franconian realm. He is regarded as the actual founder of the German Empire.

Translation: "Rightly tenacious."

A motto of perseverance and steadfastness.

Translation: "Good farewell."

Kindliness in speech; friendly and pleasant words: Dr. Diedrich's conversation with Albert included beneficences or positive comments and encouragement.

The principal of the school used several beneficences in his speech at the farewell dinner for the retiring teachers.

1. A praise, a commendation; then later, a blessing and a wish of well-being: An example of a benedicite is a statement that expresses a wish: "Bless you!"

As the guests were leaving the hotel Mr. Young, the manager, expressed benedicites to each one as an expression of his gratitude for their patronage.

2. A blessing and an expression of thanks: When all of Godfrey's family got together for the Thanksgiving meal, he said a benedicite which presented his appreciation to the Lord for their health and well being.

1. A true and established bachelor who has recently married: Mr. Smith, a benedict who had loved his previous life of a single man for 40 years, was now married to his lovely new wife and adored her from the bottom of his heart.

The local newspaper carried a surprising announcement that the mayor was now a benedict in that he was married for the first time while away on his holidays.

2. Etymology: from Latin benedictus, "blessed", past participle of benedicere, "to bless"; literally, "to speak well of, to praise".

1. Benedict, a masculine name meaning, 'blessed': Mr. and Mrs. Brown named their newly born boy, Benedict, after an Italian monk who lived in 540 A.D. and established the Benedictine order in Italy.

2. Benedicta, the feminine version of a name implying to be blessed: Benedicta certainly was true to her name, being so very grateful and appreciative of the help she had been given by her parents.

When Ms. Smith checked the list of students in her class at the beginning of the new semester, she noticed that both a boy named Benedict and a girl called Benedicta were enrolled.

3. Etymology: both names come from Latin; literally, "to speak well of, to praise", from bene, "well" + dicere, "to say, to tell".

1. The utterance of a blessing; solemn invocation of blessedness upon a person; a devout expression of a wish for the happiness, prosperity, or success of a person or an enterprise: The primate of the church gave a benediction to members of the congregation before they left for the winter holidays.

Jim's parents gave their benediction to him by wishing him, from their hearts, that all would go well on his trip as a professional photographer in the center of a war zone.

2. Blessing carried into practical effect; kindly favor, grace: The local spiritual leader gave a benediction for the farmers in praise of their good crops.

The pastor, Mr. Anderson, gave his benediction to the couple at the end of the wedding ceremony, wishing them contentment and prosperity in their future life together.

3. A prayer of sacred blessing, normally just before a church service ends: The minister, Mr. Drexler, concluded the church meeting with a prayer of benediction.
4. An expression of good things desired, something that assures well-being and goodness: At the conclusion of the meeting of the committee members, the chairperson spoke a brief benediction, wishing everyone a safe summer holiday.

1. Characteristic of expressing, or giving, a prayer asking for God's blessing: At the close of the convention Mr. Duncan, the president, called upon the pastor, Mr. Duplantie, to give the closing benedictory thanks for the successful convention.
2. Referring to, or in the form of, a blessing: The benedictory remarks at the funeral seemed to please those who were attending, including the family members.
3. Etymology: from Latin benedictio; from benedicere, "to bless".

Translation "Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes."

Motto of Bradfield College, U.K.

The act of kindness, of giving charitably, making a donation to a cause or movement: The benefaction that was received exceeded more than the organizers of the food bank had imagined; and so, they were very grateful that they would be able to provide for the needy during the winter.

An individual, individuals, or a corporate entity which gives, typically financial aid, to support organizations, projects, etc. that are intended to improve the lives of others: The benefactors for the new school were recognized by a brass plaque outside the entrance to the school which acknowledged their generous assistance.

A woman, or women, who are inclined to participate in activities which support individuals or institutions: Mrs. Humboldt, the primary benefactress for the children's hospital, often visited the patients and took gifts to them.