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benignly

benignly

3 5.8
In a kind and gentle way that does no harm
  • adverb
  • /bɪˈnaɪnli/
translation icon : benignamente
  • Even as she identifies alternatives to patriarchy, Moulsworth's humble, benignly reflective ethos remains intact. - Lee Anne Nickoson
  • smile benignly

The Prince of Rostov declined and replied benignly.

Examples

  • Kachru stared at him, and for the first time in a while, smiled benignly.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • After playing the Prokofiev, Rosina smiled benignly and said warmly, "It will be wonderful!"

    Academic text (1996)
  • Now R. H. is smiling benignly at the head of the table among those in the position of honor.

    Fiction book (1997)
  • After all, most caregivers think of themselves as benignly powerful.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The minister smiled benignly on the small group.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Both sides want Russia to manage its troubles benignly and for Japan to continue stabilizing the region.

    Academic text (1999)
  • At the second seder, Estelle looks at everyone benignly from where she stands between the kitchen and the dining room.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • In bits and pieces, she learned the rest of the story by eavesdropping benignly on dinner conversations and the servants' gossip.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • Field smiled benignly, giving two nervous little scratches to the side of his eye with his crooked forefinger.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • She smiled benignly at the children as they played in the park.

Synonyms

nicely
vsbenignly
388 1.0

In a pleasant or attractive way

carries moral benevolence and harmlessness not only pleasantness
gently
vsbenignly
372 1.0

To do something with little force to avoid hurting or making noise

carries moral kindness and harmless intent beyond mere softness
kindly
vsbenignly
179 1.0

In a gentle and caring way

focuses on harmless gentle manner rather than motive
softly
vsbenignly
95 1.0

In a gentle, light way using little force

has moral benevolence and harmlessness not only low force
delicately
vsbenignly
44 3.7

Gently and carefully to avoid hurting people or breaking things

expresses simple kindness and harmlessness rather than sensitivity
sweetly
vsbenignly
37 1.0

In a kind, gentle, pleasant way

is plain gentleness and harmlessness rather than affectionate charm
tenderly
vsbenignly
23 1.6

In a gentle, caring way that shows love

is gentle and harmless without necessarily emotional affection
amicably
vsbenignly
9 4.1

In a friendly, peaceful way without anger

is about gentle harmlessness not only peace making
charitably
vsbenignly
5 3.9

In a kind and generous way that forgives others

focuses on gentleness and harmlessness rather than generosity
amiably
vsbenignly
4 3.7

In a friendly, pleasant way

focuses on kind harmless manner rather than general pleasantness
compassionately
vsbenignly
4 3.0

In a kind way that shows care for people who are suffering

is more neutral kindness and harmless behavior than sympathy
good-naturedly
vsbenignly
4 3.5

In a kind and friendly way

leans more to gentle harmlessness than cheerful friendliness
soothingly
vsbenignly
4 3.0

In a way that makes someone feel calm and safe

is gentle kindness that does not necessarily calm others
benevolently
vsbenignly
1 4.6

In a kind way that tries to help other people

is gentleness and harmlessness rather than active help
affably
vsbenignly
1 4.4

In a friendly, pleasant way that shows warmth and kindness

is gentleness and harmlessness rather than sociable warmth
benignantly
vsbenignly
9.9

Be kind and gentle to other people

is the same meaning but is an alternate form

Antonyms

49 3.5

In a severe or unkind way that feels unpleasant

How Kind

warmly
39 1.0
benignly
3 5.8
gently
372 1.0
politely
108 1.0

Surface Forms

benignly positive

Morphology

benignly = benign (transparent) = benign + ly

The adverb is formed productively from the adjective 'benign' with the regular suffix '-ly', yielding the straightforward meaning 'in a kind/harmless manner'.

Etymology

Benignly comes from the old Latin word benignus, made of bene 'well' and a part meaning 'born', so it once meant 'well-born' and kind. So, to act benignly is to behave in a gentle, kind, and harmless way.