What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
benevolent
Example
The billionaire philanthropist is known for his benevolent acts, donating millions to various charities. [benevolent: adjective]
Example
She has a benevolent nature and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. [benevolent: noun]
charitable
Example
He regularly donates to charitable causes, supporting initiatives that aim to alleviate poverty. [charitable: adjective]
Example
The local community center provides various charitable services to help those who are less fortunate. [charitable: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Charitable is more commonly used than benevolent in everyday language. It is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts related to acts of kindness and generosity. Benevolent, on the other hand, is less common and is often used in more formal or literary settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between benevolent and charitable?
While charitable is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, benevolent is more commonly associated with formal or literary language. Both words, however, can convey a sense of kindness and goodwill.
