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Definitions for: Benevolence
[n] an act intending or showing kindness and good will
[n] an inclination to do kind or charitable acts
[n] disposition to do good
Webster (1913) Definition: Be*nev"o*lence, n. [OF. benevolence, L.
benevolentia. See Benevolent.]
1. The disposition to do good; good will; charitableness;
love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote
their happiness.
The wakeful benevolence of the gospel. --Chalmers.
2. An act of kindness; good done; charity given.
3. A species of compulsory contribution or tax, which has
sometimes been illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of
England, and falsely represented as a gratuity.
Syn: Benevolence, Beneficence, Munificence.
Usage: Benevolence marks a disposition made up of a choice
and desire for the happiness of others. Beneficence
marks the working of this disposition in dispensing
good on a somewhat broad scale. Munificence shows the
same disposition, but acting on a still broader scale,
in conferring gifts and favors. These are not
necessarily confined to objects of immediate utility.
One may show his munificence in presents of pictures
or jewelry, but this would not be beneficence.
Benevolence of heart; beneficence of life; munificence
in the encouragement of letters.
Synonyms: benefaction
Antonyms: malevolence, malignity
See Also: beneficence, benignity, brotherly love, charity, kindness, kindness, love
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