benign
Describing something that is kind, gentle, or harmless in nature. In a medical context, it specifically refers to a condition or growth that is not cancerous and does not threaten health or life.
Examples
3 of 5The mild, benign weather made for a perfect afternoon in the park.
The mild, benign weather made for a perfect afternoon in the park.
The proposed policy changes are expected to have a benign impact on the existing workforce.
The proposed policy changes are expected to have a benign impact on the existing workforce.
He gave me a benign smile that immediately put my nerves at ease.
He gave me a benign smile that immediately put my nerves at ease.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember the start of the word: 'Be-Nice'. If a tumor or a person's look is benign, it is 'being nice' to you because it won't hurt you.
Quick Quiz
The biopsy results brought great relief to the family, as the growth was found to be entirely ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: benign
Examples
The mild, benign weather made for a perfect afternoon in the park.
everydayThe mild, benign weather made for a perfect afternoon in the park.
The proposed policy changes are expected to have a benign impact on the existing workforce.
formalThe proposed policy changes are expected to have a benign impact on the existing workforce.
He gave me a benign smile that immediately put my nerves at ease.
informalHe gave me a benign smile that immediately put my nerves at ease.
The researchers categorized the chemical compound as benign, noting its lack of reactive toxicity.
academicThe researchers categorized the chemical compound as benign, noting its lack of reactive toxicity.
The firm operates in a benign economic environment with low interest rates and high consumer confidence.
businessThe firm operates in a benign economic environment with low interest rates and high consumer confidence.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
benign neglect
benign neglect (a policy or attitude of ignoring a situation, often with the belief it will benefit from being left alone)
benign smile
benign smile (a kind or harmless expression)
benign condition
benign condition (a medical state that is not life-threatening)
Often Confused With
Malignant is the medical opposite of benign, meaning a growth is cancerous or harmful.
Benevolent describes a person's kind intentions, while benign describes the harmless nature of a thing or condition.
Usage Notes
While 'benign' is most commonly known in medical contexts to describe non-cancerous tumors, it is frequently used in formal writing to describe economic conditions, weather, or effects that are favorable or harmless.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'benign' to describe people directly (e.g., 'a benign man'). While not incorrect, 'benevolent' or 'kind' is usually more natural for describing human character, whereas 'benign' better describes their influence or expression.
Memory Tip
Remember the start of the word: 'Be-Nice'. If a tumor or a person's look is benign, it is 'being nice' to you because it won't hurt you.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'benignus', from 'bene' (well) and 'gignere' (to beget/produce), literally meaning 'well-born' or 'kindly'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In healthcare, 'benign' is one of the most relieved words a patient can hear after a biopsy.
Quick Quiz
The biopsy results brought great relief to the family, as the growth was found to be entirely ______.
Correct!
The correct answer is: benign
Related Words
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