Beneficence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s/ be·nef·i·cence

Meaning & Definition of Beneficence

Beneficence (noun)

  1. the quality or state of doing or producing good, the quality or state of being beneficent
  2. benefaction

Beneficence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution

    "the town library stays open primarily through beneficences from concerned residents"

    similar: alms, benefaction, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy
    related: offering, tithe, bequest, endowment, legacy, aid, assistance, dole, handout, relief, welfare, grant, subsidy, benevolence, bestowal, largesse, present, presentation

  2. sympathetic concern for the well-being of others

    "a religious leader whose beneficence is felt by all who meet him"

    similar: benevolence, benignancy, benignity, compassionateness, good-heartedness, humaneness, kindheartedness, kindliness, kindness, softheartedness, tenderheartedness, tenderness, warmheartedness
    related: attentiveness, considerateness, thoughtfulness, affability, friendliness, good-naturedness, good-temperedness, warmth, graciousness, niceness, pleasantness, clemency, leniency, mercifulness, patience, tolerance, understanding, altruism, charitableness, charity, generosity, greatheartedness, magnanimity, philanthropy, unselfishness
    opposite: barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality, brutishness, callousness, cold-bloodedness, cruelty, hard-heartedness, heartlessness, inhumanity, savageness, savagery, unfeelingness, unkindliness, unkindness
    near: mercilessness, pitilessness, ruthlessness, inconsiderateness, insensitivity, thoughtlessness, grimness, harshness, severity, sternness, toughness, hatefulness, malevolence, maliciousness, meanness, spitefulness, virulence, vitriol

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Beneficence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Beneficence:

alms, benefaction, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy, benevolence, benignancy, benignity, compassionateness, good-heartedness, humaneness, kindheartedness, kindliness, kindness, softheartedness, tenderheartedness, tenderness, warmheartedness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Beneficence

Words with the opposite meaning of Beneficence:

barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality, brutishness, callousness, cold-bloodedness, cruelty, hard-heartedness, heartlessness, inhumanity, savageness, savagery, unfeelingness, unkindliness, unkindness

Related Words for Beneficence

offering, tithe, bequest, endowment, legacy, aid, assistance, dole, handout, relief, welfare, grant, subsidy, bestowal, largesse, present, presentation, attentiveness, considerateness, thoughtfulness, affability, friendliness, good-naturedness, good-temperedness, warmth, graciousness, niceness, pleasantness, clemency, leniency

Near Antonyms of Beneficence

mercilessness, pitilessness, ruthlessness, inconsiderateness, insensitivity, thoughtlessness, grimness, harshness, severity, sternness, toughness, hatefulness, malevolence, maliciousness, meanness, spitefulness, virulence, vitriol

Origin & Etymology of Beneficence

Latin beneficentia, from beneficus see benefice

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Beneficence

What does "Beneficence" mean?

"Beneficence" means the quality or state of doing or producing good, the quality or state of being beneficent. As a noun, it is defined as: the quality or state of doing or producing good, the quality or state of being beneficent. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Beneficence"?

Other words for "Beneficence" include alms, benefaction, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy, benevolence and benignancy. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Beneficence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Beneficence"?

There are 59 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Beneficence". Common alternatives include alms, benefaction, charity, contribution, donation, philanthropy, benevolence, benignancy, benignity and compassionateness.

What is the opposite of "Beneficence"?

Antonyms of "Beneficence" include barbarity, barbarousness, bestiality, brutality, brutishness, callousness, cold-bloodedness and cruelty. Near antonyms include mercilessness, pitilessness, ruthlessness and inconsiderateness.

How do you use "Beneficence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Beneficence" in a sentence: "the town library stays open primarily through beneficences from concerned residents"; "a religious leader whose beneficence is felt by all who meet him".

Is "Beneficence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Beneficence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Beneficence"?

"Beneficence" is pronounced /bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as be·nef·i·cence.

What is the origin of the word "Beneficence"?

"Beneficence" comes from Latin beneficentia, from beneficus see benefice. First known use: 15th century.