What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
selfless
Example
She always thinks of others first, she's such a selfless person. [selfless: adjective]
Example
He made a selfless decision to donate his entire bonus to charity. [selfless: adjective]
benevolent
Example
The benevolent millionaire donated millions to build a new hospital. [benevolent: adjective]
Example
Her benevolent nature led her to volunteer at the homeless shelter every weekend. [benevolent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Benevolent is more commonly used than selfless in everyday language. Benevolent is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while selfless is less common and typically used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between selfless and benevolent?
Both selfless and benevolent are formal words that are often used in professional or academic settings. However, benevolent may be slightly more formal due to its association with philanthropy and charity work.
