1. intending or showing kindness - a benevolent society • Pertains to noun: benevolence • Derivationally related forms: benevolence 2. showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity - was charitable in his opinions of others - kindly criticism - a kindly act - sympathetic words - a large-hearted mentor • Syn: charitable, kindly, sympathetic, good-hearted, openhearted, large-hearted • Similar to: kind • Derivationally related forms: kindliness (for: kindly), charitableness (for: charitable) 3. generous in providing aid to others • Syn: freehearted • Similar to: generous 4. generous in assistance to the poor - a benevolent contributor - eleemosynary relief - philanthropic contributions • Syn: beneficent, eleemosynary, philanthropic • Similar to: charitable
