Benevolent

Benevolent is an adjective describing a person or action characterized by goodwill and kindness toward others. A benevolent person acts with generosity and a desire to help, while a benevolent organization is a charitable institution that provides assistance or support to people in need. The noun benevolence refers to the quality of being benevolent or to acts of charity and the charitable institutions that carry them out.

The word comes from Latin benevolentem, formed from bene "well" and volent- "wishing," and entered English via Old French and Middle English. Related forms include benevolence (the noun) and benevolently (the adverb). In philosophy and theology, benevolence is often described as a core virtue alongside justice and prudence; in ethics, it is discussed as a motivation for charitable action rather than a duty alone.

Usage-wise, benevolent is typically used to describe people, organizations, policies, or actions that aim to help others without coercion. It can range from small acts of kindness to the charitable aims of foundations and societies. Related terms include generosity, philanthropy, and altruism.