benign

[bɪˈnaɪn]

benign Definition

  • 1gentle and kind
  • 2not harmful or dangerous

Using benign: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "benign" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The tumor was found to be benign.

  • Example

    She had a benign expression on her face.

  • Example

    He is a benign ruler who cares for his people.

  • Example

    The weather today is benign, perfect for a picnic.

benign Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for benign

Phrases with benign

  • a policy of ignoring a situation that is generally considered problematic or undesirable, with the expectation that it will eventually resolve itself

    Example

    The government's policy of benign neglect towards the homeless crisis has been criticized by many.

  • a non-cancerous growth or lump in the body

    Example

    The doctor assured her that the lump was just a benign tumor and nothing to worry about.

  • an enlargement of the prostate gland that is not cancerous, typically affecting older men

    Example

    He was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prescribed medication to manage the symptoms.

Origins of benign

from Latin 'benignus', meaning 'kind'

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Summary: benign in Brief

The term 'benign' [bɪˈnaɪn] refers to gentle and kind behavior, as well as things that are not harmful or dangerous. It can describe a person, like 'He is a benign ruler who cares for his people,' or a medical condition, like 'The tumor was found to be benign.' 'Benign' also appears in phrases like 'benign neglect,' which means ignoring a problematic situation, and 'benign tumor,' which is a non-cancerous growth.

How do native speakers use this expression?