What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beneficent
Example
The beneficent millionaire donated a large sum of money to the charity. [beneficent: adjective]
Example
Her beneficent actions have greatly impacted the lives of many people. [beneficent: noun]
benevolent
Example
The benevolent teacher always goes above and beyond to support her students. [benevolent: adjective]
Example
The foundation's mission is to provide benevolent assistance to those in need. [benevolent: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Benevolent is more commonly used than beneficent in everyday language. Benevolent is a versatile word that can be used to describe various situations and people, while beneficent is less common and tends to be used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between beneficent and benevolent?
While both words can be used in formal contexts, beneficent is slightly more formal due to its association with acts of charity and philanthropy. Benevolent is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
