benign : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: benign	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for benign
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
benign adj not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor) Antonym(s): malignant pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; "a benign smile"; "the benign sky"; "the benign influence of pure air" Synonym(s): benign, benignant Antonym(s): malign kindness of disposition or manner; "the benign ruler of millions"; "benign intentions"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Benign \Benign"\, a. [OE. benigne, bening, OF. benigne, F. b[82]nin, fem. b[82]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. Creator bounteous and benign. --Milton. 2. Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor, etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome. Kind influences and benign* aspects. --South. 3. Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease. Syn: Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable salutary; gracious; liberal.