Hypertext Webster Gateway: "benign"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Benign \Be*nign"\, a. [OE. benigne, bening, OF. benigne, F.
b['e]nin, fem. b['e]nigne, fr. L. benignus, contr. from
benigenus; bonus good + root of genus kind. See {Bounty}, and
{Genus}.]
1. Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous;
favorable; benignant.

Creator bounteous and benign. --Milton.

2. Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor,
etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome.

Kind influences and benign aspects. --South.

3. Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.

Syn: Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable
salutary; gracious; liberal.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

benign
adj 1: pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; "a benign
smile"; "the benign sky"; "the benign influence of
pure air [syn: {benignant}] [ant: {malign}]
2: of disposition or manner; "the benign ruler of millions";
"benign intentions"

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