different between forgiving vs benign

English

Adjective

forgiving (comparative more forgiving, superlative most forgiving)

1. Inclined to forgive.

   I am inclined to take a forgiving attitude, since this is his first offence.

2. (computing) User-friendly, such that harmful mistakes are not easily made.
   • 2010, Roger S. Pressman, Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach (page 336)

     A good WebApp interface is understandable and forgiving, providing the user with a sense of control. […] Work is carefully and continuously saved, with full option for the user to undo any activity at any time.

Translations

Verb

forgiving

1. present participle of forgive

Noun

forgiving (plural forgivings)

1. An act of forgiveness.

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