Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/bəˈnɛfɪsəns/

Definitions

1. Noun: The quality of being kind, charitable, or helpful to others.
2. Noun: An act of kindness or charity.

Usage Examples

• "Her beneficence was evident in the large donations she made to the hospital."
• "He was known for his beneficence, often helping those in need without expecting anything in return."
• "The community recognized his beneficence through a series of charitable acts over many years."

Etymology

From Latin "beneficentia" meaning "goodness, kindness," from "beneficent-" (present participle stem of "beneficere," meaning "to do good") + "-ia" (a suffix forming nouns of action or quality). The word has been used in English since the 15th century.

Synonyms

• Charity
• Generosity
• Kindness
• Altruism
• Philanthropy

Antonyms

• Selfishness
• Greed
• Indifference
• Meanness
• Unkindness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "beneficence" is generally pronounced /bəˈnɛfɪsəns/ in most dialects of English. However, in some regions, it may be pronounced with slightly more emphasis on the second syllable, as /bəˈnɪfɪsəns/.

Historical Usage

The word "beneficence" has been used in English since the 15th century, originally to describe the act of doing good or providing charity. In the early usage, it often referred specifically to acts of kindness or assistance given by a benefactor, particularly within the context of religion or charity. Over time, it came to be applied more broadly to any act or quality of kindness.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the concept of "beneficence" is closely tied to moral philosophy and religious teachings. For example, in many Christian traditions, the act of beneficence is often seen as a virtue, closely related to charity and altruism. In other cultures, such as those influenced by Hindu or Buddhist values, acts of beneficence may also carry spiritual significance, seen as a means of purifying one's actions or creating positive karma.

More Information

The word "beneficence" is commonly associated with acts of kindness that are done without any expectation of receiving something in return. It is a central concept in both ethics and philanthropy. Philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill have explored the nature of beneficence, often discussing its role in promoting the welfare of others and contributing to the overall good of society. Today, it continues to be an important idea in discussions of social justice, charity, and morality.