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be·nign

benign

 
 
pronunciation:
b naIn
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Parts
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: possessing or displaying kindness or gentleness.
The new ruler was more benign than his predecessor.The nurse gave the child a benign smile.
antonyms:
hostile, malicious, malign, malignant
similar words:
benevolent, gentle, kind
definition 2: favorable or beneficial.
It's a benign climate for people with asthma.These new friends had a benign influence on him.
antonyms:
detrimental, evil, harsh, unfavorable, unfriendly, unhealthy
similar words:
beneficial
definition 3: causing little or no harm.
The dye used for the test is a benign substance in the body.Do these scenes of violence on television have only benign effects?
synonyms:
harmless, innocuous
antonyms:
deleterious, harmful, injurious
definition 4: in pathology, not malignant.
The growth turned out to be benign and surgery was not necessary.
antonyms:
malignant
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derivation: benignly (adv.)
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