Benign
Adjective
Definition: Showing kindness or gentleness; mild or favorable in disposition or effect.
Synonyms: Kind, Gentle, Compassionate, Benevolent
Antonyms: Malignant, Hostile, Harmful, Malevolent
- She had a benign smile that instantly put me at ease.
- The doctor assured me that the tumor was benign.
- "Benign" sounds like "be nice" or "be gentle".
Etymology:
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:
"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:
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.