beneficence

[buh-nef-uh-suhns]

noun

1. the doing of good; active goodness or kindness; charity.

2. a beneficent act or gift; benefaction.

Other Word Forms

• nonbeneficence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beneficence¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English; French bénéficence, from Latin beneficentia; benefic, -ence

Example Sentences

All that brainpower would have been for naught, however, save for the beneficence of Uncle Sam.

From Los Angeles Times

This is not, however, the result of cultural beneficence.

From Los Angeles Times

Outside the foundation, her personal beneficence was vast and eclectic.

From New York Times

Strictly speaking, though, Jackson’s words would also apply to an attempted bestowal of executive beneficence — such as loan forgiveness.

From Washington Post

Accountability is a process to ensure that each action promotes equity and beneficence.

From Seattle Times