beneficence

noun

be·​nef·​i·​cence bə-ˈne-fə-sən(t)s How to pronounce beneficence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of doing or producing good : the quality or state of being beneficent
admired for her beneficence
2
: benefaction
bestow your beneficences generouslyW. L. Sullivan

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
Recent Examples on the Web Such beneficence could take years, though, or might never come. Anand Gopal, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 Medical practice permits some pain on the pathway to beneficence. Joel B. Zivot, STAT, 26 Feb. 2024 As such, beneficence and nonmaleficence are inextricably linked to one another and the principles of autonomy and justice. Ari Hoffman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 The Chinese dragons are associated with clouds and life giving rain; the original rain divinity provides for heavenly beneficence and fertility. Kurt Snibbe, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 Calling this previously unknown substance a vitamin gave it a sheen of beneficence. Christie Aschwanden, Scientific American, 19 Dec. 2023 Their band was ironically named Daddy Warbucks, after the character in the musical Annie, who adopts and looks after the titular orphan, a stroke of beneficence Marshall must have wished for his entire childhood. Bob Guccione Jr, Spin, 21 Aug. 2023 This is not, however, the result of cultural beneficence. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2023 But even with these human enhancements the Maya remained at the mercy of nature’s beneficence. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'beneficence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin beneficentia, from beneficus — see benefice

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of beneficence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near beneficence

Cite this Entry

“Beneficence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beneficence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

beneficence

noun
be·​nef·​i·​cence bə-ˈnef-ə-sən(t)s How to pronounce beneficence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being beneficent
2

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