Benevolence

Origin

Circa 1400, original sense “good will, disposition to do good”, Old French benivolence from Latin benevolentia (also directly from Latin), literally “good will”, from bene ("well, good") + volentia, form of volēns, form of volō ("I wish"), components cognate to English benefit and voluntary, more distantly will (via Proto-Indo-European).

Online Etymology Dictionary

Full definition of benevolence

Noun

1. (uncountable) disposition to do good
2. (uncountable) charitable kindness
3. (countable) an altruistic gift or act

Derived terms

• benevolent