Search Result for "benign": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (3)

1. not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor);

2. pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence;
- Example: "a benign smile"
- Example: "the benign sky"
- Example: "the benign influence of pure air"
[syn: benign, benignant]

3. kindness of disposition or manner;
- Example: "the benign ruler of millions"
- Example: "benign intentions"



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Benign \Be*nign"\, a. [OE. benigne, bening, OF. benigne, F.
   b['e]nin, fem. b['e]nigne, fr. L. benignus, contr. from
   benigenus; bonus good + root of genus kind. See Bounty, and
   Genus.]
   1. Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous;
      favorable; benignant.
      [1913 Webster]

            Creator bounteous and benign.         --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor,
      etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome.
      [1913 Webster]

            Kind influences and benign aspects.   --South.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable
        salutary; gracious; liberal.
        [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

benign
    adj 1: not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive
           (especially of a tumor) [ant: malignant]
    2: pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; "a benign
       smile"; "the benign sky"; "the benign influence of pure air"
       [syn: benign, benignant] [ant: malign]
    3: kindness of disposition or manner; "the benign ruler of
       millions"; "benign intentions"