Benign
[bɪ'naɪn]
Definition
(adj.) pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; 'a benign smile'; 'the benign sky'; 'the benign influence of pure air' .
(adj.) kindness of disposition or manner; 'the benign ruler of millions'; 'benign intentions' .
(adj.) not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor) .
Editor: Segre--From WordNet
Definition
(a.) Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous; favorable; benignant.
(a.) Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor, etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome.
(a.) Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.
Checker: Tom
Synonyms and Synonymous
a. [1]. Kind, benevolent, gracious, complaisant, humane, obliging, benignant, good, amiable, friendly, kind-hearted, tender-hearted, of a gentle disposition.[2]. (Med.) Mild, of a mild nature.
Inputed by Leonard
Definition
adj. favourable esp. in astrology as opposed to malign: gracious: kindly: (med.) of a mild type as opposed to malignant: salubrious.—n. Benig′nancy benignant quality.—adj. Benig′nant kind: gracious: beneficial.—adv. Benig′nantly.—n. Benig′nity goodness of disposition: kindness: graciousness: favourable circumstances—of climate weather disease planets.—adv. Benign′ly.
Typed by Corinne
Examples
- He looked kind and benign: he came in with eagerness; he was close to me in one second; he was all amity. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- Fate had been benign to the blissful dreamer, and promised to favour her yet again. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- Adrian was more benign, more considerate. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- Still later, the stern sky denies that it ever wore so benign a symbol of hope. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- His countenance had resumed its usual benign expression, ere he concluded. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- Then, John Rokesmith put the queen's countenance on the letter--when had Her Gracious Majesty looked so benign as on that blessed morning! Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- A benign though tardy Providence blurred my vision and my mind as I sank into unconsciousness across the lifeless body of my only son. Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Gods of Mars.
- Dr. John himself was one of those on whose birth benign planets have certainly smiled. Charlotte Bronte. Villette.
- She sought to improve her understanding; mechanically her heart and dispositions became soft and gentle under this benign discipline. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- He walked away; and Mr. Pickwick's countenance resumed its customary benign expression. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
Typed by Corinne