Beneficent vs Benevolent - What's the difference?

beneficent | benevolent |


As adjectives the difference between beneficent and benevolent

is that beneficent is given to acts that are kind, charitable, philanthropic or beneficial while benevolent is having a disposition to do good.

beneficent

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Given to acts that are kind, charitable, philanthropic or beneficial.

    • Synonyms

    * generous * beneficient

    Antonyms

    * maleficent

    Related terms

    * benefactor * beneficial * magnificent * munificent

    benevolent

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Having a disposition to do good.
    • Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent .
  • Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.
  • altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.
  • generous.

    • Antonyms

    * malevolent

    See also

    * benevolence * benevolently * benevolentness