Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
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noun
The practice of doing good, such as acts of philanthropy, kind deeds; or other acts which benefit someone else.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: kindness, benevolence, charity, generosity
Antonyms: none provided
noun
Good or charitable character or behavior.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
A duty or obligation to act in the best interests of another, especially a patient or beneficiary.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: ethics, human-sciences, law, medicine, philosophy, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
noun
the quality of being kind or helpful or generous
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: maleficence
Broader terms: good, goodness
Narrower terms: grace, grace of God, free grace
noun
doing good; feeling beneficent
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: maleficence
Broader terms: benevolence
History
From Middle English beneficence, from Latin beneficentia.
Across languages
7 source translations are retained for this English entry.
