beneficence

noun

be·​nef·​i·​cence bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of doing or producing good : the quality or state of being beneficent

admired for her beneficence

2

: benefaction

bestow your beneficences generously

—W. L. Sullivan

Synonyms

• alms
• benefaction
• charity
• contribution
• donation
• philanthropy

Examples of beneficence in a Sentence

the town library stays open primarily through beneficences from concerned residents

a religious leader whose beneficence is felt by all who meet him

Recent Examples on the Web

Had there been even a modicum of creativity and beneficence in the baseball offices abutting the Allegheny, the team could have had their cake and eaten it too. —Dan Freedman, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024

Nearly 5 million borrowers – also about 10% – have benefited from loan beneficence. —Ryan Craig, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024

The target principle of medicine must be a higher standard: beneficence. —Patrick Skerrett, STAT, 20 July 2024

The 39-year-old’s beneficence should, however, be kept in context. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 7 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficentia, from beneficus — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

beneficence

noun

be·​nef·​i·​cence bə-ˈnef-ə-sən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of being beneficent

2

: benefaction