Basic Details
Word: Benevolent
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Someone who is kind and generous, wanting to help others.
Synonyms: Kind-hearted, generous, charitable
Antonyms: Malevolent, unkind, selfish
Idioms and Phrases
- With a benevolent hand: Used to describe someone helping others generously. Example: "She gave the children gifts with a benevolent hand, filling their hearts with joy."
- Born of benevolence: Referring to actions that are inspired by kindness. Example: "His decision to volunteer was born of benevolence, as he truly cared for the community."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The benevolent teacher always stayed after class to help students who struggled with their lessons.
Example 2: The charity event was a huge success, thanks to the benevolent donations from the local businesses.
Example 3: Her benevolent nature shone through when she organised a food drive for the less fortunate in her neighbourhood.
Fun Fact
The word "benevolent" originates from the Latin word "benevolentem," which combines "bene," meaning well, and "velle," meaning to wish. This shows that at its core, being benevolent is all about wishing well for others.
Famous Quote
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "benevolent" mean?
a) A type of animal
b) Someone who is cruel
c) Someone who is kind and generous
d) A place to visit
Answer: c) Someone who is kind and generous
2. Which of these is a synonym of "benevolent"?
a) Malevolent
b) Charitable
c) Selfish
d) Rude
Answer: b) Charitable
3. Which of these is an antonym of "benevolent"?
a) Generous
b) Kind-hearted
c) Unkind
d) Caring
Answer: c) Unkind
4. Which sentence uses "benevolent" correctly?
a) The benevolent sun shined brightly in the sky.
b) He made a benevolent decision to ignore the rules.
c) Her benevolent behaviour won her many friends.
d) The benevolent dog chased the cat.
Answer: c) Her benevolent behaviour won her many friends.
5. Which idiom means to help others in a kind way?
a) With a benevolent hand
b) Born of benevolence
c) As busy as a bee
d) The early bird catches the worm
Answer: a) With a benevolent hand
