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- 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
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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
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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
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definition 4: |
in pathology, not malignant.
The growth turned out to be benign and surgery was not necessary.- antonyms:
- malignant
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related words: |
bland, merciful, propitious, soft |
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derivation: |
benignly (adv.) |
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