What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
benign
Example
The old dog had a benign temperament and was great with children. [benign: adjective]
Example
The doctor assured her that the tumor was benign and did not require immediate treatment. [benign: adjective]
kind
Example
She is always kind and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. [kind: adjective]
Example
He showed his kindness by donating money to the charity. [kindness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kind is more commonly used than benign in everyday language. Kind is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts to describe positive qualities and actions towards others. Benign, on the other hand, is more specific and less commonly used, mainly in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between benign and kind?
While benign is typically associated with a more formal and technical tone due to its medical usage, kind is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe positive qualities and behaviors.