2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Benign  \Be*nign"\,  a.  [OE.  benigne  bening,  OF  benigne  F. 
  b['e]nin,  fem.  b['e]nigne,  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. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  benign 
  adj  1:  pleasant  and  beneficial  in  nature  or  influence;  "a  benign 
  smile";  "the  benign  sky";  "the  benign  influence  of 
  pure  air  [syn:  {benignant}]  [ant:  {malign}] 
  2:  of  disposition  or  manner;  "the  benign  ruler  of  millions"; 
  "benign  intentions" 

browse words by letter
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z