Beneficence
What it means
The disposition or practice of actively doing good for others.
Reach for it when praising sustained helpful action in elevated language
Her beneficence appeared in careful systems that preserved every recipient's dignity.
Words to choose between 5
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
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everyday
Fits when organized relief or voluntary giving is the context
Careful Charity may describe an institution and can carry unequal power dynamics.
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warm
Fits when willing giving of time, money, or attention is central
Careful Generosity may be spontaneous and need not improve welfare wisely.
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warm
Fits when humane treatment is better expressed in ordinary language
Careful Kindness may be small and interpersonal rather than sustained public good.
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professional
Fits when concern for others outweighs personal gain
Careful Altruism concerns motive, while beneficence also requires a beneficial act.
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formal
Fits when a sincere wish to do good describes the motive
Careful Benevolence can remain an intention without active help.
Opposites 3
- maleficence
- cruelty
- selfishness
Common phrases 3
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acts of beneficence
Her acts of beneficence were practical, private, and consistent.
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public beneficence
Public beneficence funded wells that each village now manages.
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spirit of beneficence
A spirit of beneficence shaped the trust's careful lending rules.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated