Benign

Adjective

Definition: Showing kindness or gentleness; mild or favorable in disposition or effect.

Synonyms: Kind, Gentle, Compassionate, Benevolent

Antonyms: Malignant, Hostile, Harmful, Malevolent

Examples:
  • She had a benign smile that instantly put me at ease.
  • The doctor assured me that the tumor was benign.
Mnemonics:
  • "Benign" sounds like "be nice" or "be gentle".

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'gentle, courteous'): from Old French benigne or Latin benignus, from bene 'well' + -genus 'born'.

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe a gentle or kind disposition.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Benign neglect"

Explanation:

This phrase refers to a policy or approach of deliberately not interfering or intervening in a situation, often with the belief that the situation will improve on its own without any hostile or detrimental actions.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "benign" with "benevolent".

Explanation:

While both words convey positive qualities, "benign" specifically refers to a kind or gentle nature, while "benevolent" refers to a disposition or intention to do good and help others.

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