Gloss · Words · Benevolent vs magnanimous

Benevolent vs magnanimous

Benevolent means well. Magnanimous forgives, from a position of strength.

The difference

Benevolent is the general word for kindly and well-meaning: a benevolent smile, a benevolent fund, a benevolent ruler. It is about disposition and does not need an occasion. Magnanimous is for a particular moment: the winner who praises the loser, the one who was wronged and lets it go. It means great of spirit, and it only shows when there is something to be small about.

Benevolent

Kind and wanting good things for others.

A benevolent uncle paid for her schooling.

Benevolent, explained six ways

Magnanimous

Generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival.

The winner was magnanimous in victory.

Magnanimous, explained six ways

Which one to use

Benevolent as a character. Magnanimous as a gesture, after a win or a wrong.

Gloss keeps the synonyms apart for you: every word comes with its near-neighbours and a line on how they differ. For iPhone, free for three days.

More pairs

Saudade vs nostalgia · Hiraeth vs saudade · Ephemeral vs evanescent · Ethereal vs ephemeral · Serene vs placid · Taciturn vs reticent · Laconic vs taciturn · Capricious vs mercurial · Pernicious vs insidious · Clandestine vs surreptitious · Somnolent vs soporific · Zenith vs nadir · Enigma vs conundrum · Melancholy vs wistful · Lethargic vs languid