beneficent

Beneficent is an adjective that describes actions, persons, or institutions that perform good deeds or charitable acts. A beneficent act is one intended to promote the welfare of others. The term derives from Latin beneficentia, from bene- "well" and facere "to do," and entered English via Old French beneficient. In modern usage, beneficent often appears in formal, religious, literary, or philosophical contexts, where it characterizes generosity and the aim of producing positive outcomes for others.

In everyday language, beneficent is somewhat formal or literary; more common synonyms include benevolent, charitable, or philanthropic. The noun corresponding to beneficent is beneficence, the act or quality of doing good. The term is frequently contrasted with maleficent (causing harm) or with simply "good" or "kind" in nuance: beneficent emphasizes active, outcome-oriented charity and welfare work.

In ethics and bioethics, beneficence is a guiding principle that obligates actions intended to benefit others, such as relieving suffering or promoting health. Institutions that pursue social welfare—charities, hospitals, and humanitarian organizations—are often described as beneficent. The usage spans religious, literary, and academic discourse, and while not uncommon, it is less common in casual speech today.