different between bonhomie vs benign

English

Etymology

Borrowed from French bonhomie; from bonhomme (“good-natured man”); from bon (“good”) + homme (“man”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bo?n??mi?/

Noun

bonhomie (usually uncountable, plural bonhomies)

1. A pleasant, friendly, good-natured manner; an affable and approachable disposition; good-heartedness.
2. Friendly atmosphere; an atmosphere of good cheer.
3. A cheerful remark.

Synonyms

(friendliness):

• friendliness, geniality, affability
• See also Thesaurus:affectionate

(good cheer):

• conviviality, warmth, craic

Derived terms

• bonhomous

Translations

English

Etymology

From Middle English benigne, benygne, from Old French benigne, from Latin benignus (“kind, good”), from bene (“well”) + genus (“origin, kind”). Compare malign.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /b??na?n/

Adjective

benign (comparative benigner or more benign, superlative benignest or most benign)

1. Kind; gentle; mild.
   • 1826, Mary Shelley, The Last Man, part 1, chapter 9

     But though we both entertained these ideas, we differed in their application. Resentment added also a sting to my censure; and I reprobated Raymond's conduct in severe terms. Adrian was more benign, more considerate.

2. (of a climate or environment) mild and favorable
3. (in combination) Not harmful to the environment.

4. (medicine) Not posing any serious threat to health; not particularly aggressive or recurrent.

Synonyms

• (medicine): non-malignant

Antonyms

• malign
• malignant

Derived terms

• benignly
• benignant
• benignity
• benign neglect

Translations