Link Centre Dictionary

benign

be·nign

US/bɪˈnaɪn/ uncommon

adjective

1.
2.

pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence

  • “a benign smile”
  • “the benign sky”
  • “the benign influence of pure air”
Synonyms
Antonyms
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3.

of disposition or manner

  • “the benign ruler of millions”
  • “benign intentions”
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Origin

From Middle English benigne, benygne, from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus (“kind, good”), from bene (“well”) + genus (“origin, kind”). Compare malign.

Phrases

  • benign neglect
  • benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  • benign prostate enlargement
  • benign prostatic hyperplasia

Related words

Word family

See also

WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.