benevolent
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “benevolent” mean?
adjective.well-meaning and kindly.
SAT Usage
This term is often found in passages that discuss philanthropy, altruism, or character traits in literature and social contexts. It emphasizes a genuine kindness and desire to help others, distinguishing itself from similar words like "charitable," which may imply a more transactional or obligatory aspect to giving.
Common Confusions
Benevolent implies a genuine and selfless desire to help others, while charitable usually suggests a more formal or obligated act of giving, often with a focus on the transaction rather than the personal intention behind it.
Do not choose benevolent if the context emphasizes selfishness or cruelty rather than being well-meaning and kindly.
Example Sentences
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Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent.