different between peaceable vs benevolent

English

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman pesible, peisible, Middle French paisible, from pais (“peace”) + -ible; later remodelled after peace +? -able.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?pi?s?b(?)l/

Adjective

peaceable (comparative more peaceable, superlative most peaceable)

1. Favouring peace rather than conflict; not aggressive, tending to avoid violence (of people, actions etc.). [from 14th c.]
   • 1999, Faisal Bodi, The Guardian, 29 Dec 1999:

     But in the Muslim world we are dealing with regimes who have banished, imprisoned, silenced or neutralised all opposition, even where this is entirely peaceable.

   • 2011, ‘Feeling understandably twitchy’, The Economist, 8 Feb 2011:

     But if you talk to people here privately, they suggest there are three possible scenarios. The first (intended to sound incredible) is that Israel’s biggest neighbour will be transformed into a peaceable, pluralist democracy.

2. Characterized by peace; peaceful, tranquil. [from 14th c.]
   • , Episode 16:

     Though unusual in the Dublin area he knew that it was not by any means unknown for desperadoes who had next to nothing to live on to be abroad waylaying and generally terrorising peaceable pedestrians by placing a pistol at their head [...].

Derived terms

• peaceability
• peaceableness
• peaceably

Translations

See also

• peaceful

English

Etymology

From Old French benevolent, borrowed from Latin benevol?ns ("well wishing"). Displaced native Old English welwillende.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /b??n?v?l?nt/

Adjective

benevolent (comparative more benevolent, superlative most benevolent)

1. Having a disposition to do good.

   Chinese and Eastern mythologies describe dragons as benevolent.

2. Possessing or manifesting love for mankind.
3. Altruistic, charitable, good, just and fair.

Antonyms

• malevolent

Derived terms

• benevolently
• benevolentness

Related terms

Translations