Benevolence
/ˌbɛn.əˈvɒl.əns/noun
Kindness and a genuine desire to do good for others.
Did you know?Benevolence comes from Latin benevolentia, built on bene (“well”) + velle (“to wish”), the same root behind will, voluntary, and even violent in a twisted historical family tree.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“to wish, will”
Latin
Latin
velle
“to wish, be willing”
Latin
Latin
benevolentia
“good will, kindness”
Old French
Old French
benevolence
“good will, kindness; favor”
Middle English
English
benevolence
“kindness, charitable disposition”
Modern English
English
benevolence
“kindness and a desire to do good for others”
Explore more surprising origins