Meaning of benign in English
Table of contents
Pronunciation
/bəˈnaɪn/US accent
UK accent
to browse different examples of pronunciation.Classifying Adjective
benignDefinitions
1. of disposition or mannerExamples
- « the benign ruler of millions »
- « benign intentions »
Synonyms
Qualitative Adjective
benignEtymology
Middle English: from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus, probably from bene‘well’ + -genus‘-born’. Compare with gentleDefinitions
1. not dangerous to healthExamples
- « not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor) »
Antonyms
- 2. pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
Examples
- « a benign smile »
- « the benign sky »
- « the benign influence of pure air »
Synonyms
Antonyms
Famous quotes
- « A lot of women these days, a lot of young women don't want to call themselves feminists. You have this cheap, hideous 'girl power' sort of fad, which I think is pretty benign at best, but at worst, I think it's a way of taking the politics out of feminism and making it some kind of fashion. » Ani DiFranco
- « The Spy Act strikes a right balance between preserving legitimate and benign uses of this technology, while still, at the same time, protecting unwitting consumers from the harm caused when it is misused and, of course, designed for nefarious purposes. » Cliff Stearns
- « I had been feeling a little rum. I didn't think it was anything serious because years ago I felt a lump and it was benign. I assumed this would be too. It kind of takes the wind out of your sails, and I don't know what the future holds, if anything. » Maggie Smith
- « Fame is indeed beautiful and benign and gentle and satisfying, but happiness is something at once tender and brilliant beyond all things. » Mary MacLane
- « Art school had taught me it was far better to be a flamboyant failure than any kind of benign success. » Malcolm Mclaren