benign

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)
  2. adjective pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
  3. adjective kindness of disposition or manner

Etymology

From Middle English benigne, benygne, from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus (“kind, good”), from bene (“well”) + genus (“origin, kind”). Compare malign.

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