Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Benign

Be-nign′

,
Adj.
[OE.
benigne
,
bening
, OF.
benigne
, F.
bénin
, fem.
bénigne
, fr. L.
benignus
, contr. from
benigenus
;
bonus
good + root of
genus
kind. See
Bounty
, and
Genus
.]
1.
Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous; favorable; benignant.
Creator bounteous and
benign
.
Milton.
2.
Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor, etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome.
Kind influences and
benign
aspects.
South.
3.
Of a mild type or character;
as, a
benign
disease
.
Syn. – Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable salutary; gracious; liberal.

Webster 1828 Edition

Benign

BENI'GN

,
Adj.
beni'ne. [L.benignus, from the same root, as bonus, bene, ancient L. benus, Eng. boon.]
1.
Kind; of a kind disposition; gracious; favorable.
Our Creator, bounteous and benign.
2.
Generous; liberal; as a benign benefactor.
3.
Favorable; having a salutary influence; as the benign aspect of the seasons.
The benign light of revelation.
4.
Wholesome; not pernicious; as a benign medicine.
5.
Favorable; not malignant; as a benign disease.

Similar Results