benévolo

benevolent

adjective beh-NEH-boh-loh Rare

Origin: From Latin benevolus, from bene (well) + velle (to wish).

Also means

kind

Usage Note

Benévolo describes a disposition that wishes others well and acts with generosity and goodwill — close to 'benevolent', 'kindly', or 'well-meaning'. It is a formal adjective; everyday speech more often uses bondadoso or amable. Note that v is pronounced like b in Spanish (beh-NEH-boh-loh), so the spelling difference between b and v carries no phonetic distinction. The feminine form is benévola.

Examples

"El juez fue benévolo con el acusado."

Natural Translation

The judge was lenient with the accused.

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