Having a disposition to do good; possessing or manifesting love to mankind, and a desire to promote their prosperity and happiness; disposed to give to good objects; kind; charitable
having or showing or arising from a desire to promote the welfare or happiness of others; "his benevolent smile"; "a benevolent nature" generous in providing aid to others intending or showing kindness; "a benevolent society
Benevolent is used in the names of some organizations that give money and help to people who need it. the Army Benevolent Fund. kind and generous (bene + volens (present participle of velle ))
If you describe a person in authority as benevolent, you mean that they are kind and fair. The company has proved to be a most benevolent employer + benevolently be·nevo·lent·ly Thorne nodded his understanding, smiling benevolently. + benevolence be·nevo·lence A bit of benevolence from people in power is not what we need
[ -l&nt ] (adjective.) 15th century. Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish; more at WILL.