benignus
[bɛˈnɪŋ.nʊs]
The English word "kind" can be translated into Latin as benignus.
Benignus is used to describe someone who is benevolent, courteous, friendly or generous. It implies a natural disposition of kindness and can also carry the connotation of being mild or gentle in temperament.
Meaning: benevolent, courteous, friendly, generous (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from bene, meaning "well" and genus, meaning "born" or "of nature", literally translating to "well-born" or "of good nature".
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use benigna for feminine nouns, benignum for neuter nouns and benigni for masculine or feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- The word benignus shares a root with the English word 'malignant', which describes something harmful or evil.
- If you were describing a kind woman, you would use benigna, which happens to be the root of the English word 'benign' used in medicine.
- While benignus implies a kind nature, a Roman might also use comis to describe a kindness that is specifically polite or civil in social interactions.
Examples in context
- Cunctis esto benignus.Be kind to everyone.This sentence demonstrates the use of benignus to express the command of being kind to everyone.Tatoeba #2585908 by alexmarcelo, translation #2587836 by CM
- Homo bonusA kind person
- Mulier misericors estA woman is kind
- Puer benignusA kind boy
- Puer mitisA gentle/kind boy
- Mulier comis estThe woman is kind/pleasant
- Homo bonus esYou are a kind person
- Dominus benignus est.The master is kind.
- Amicus meus benignus est.My friend is kind.
Example conversation
Claudia and Marcus are discussing a mutual friend.
- ClaudiaEstne Marcus benignus?Is Marcus kind?
- MarcusIta, Marcus semper benignus est.Yes, Marcus is always kind.
- ClaudiaGratias tibi ago, Marce.Thank you, Marcus.
- MarcusNihil est, Claudia.It is nothing, Claudia.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry benignus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries benignus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
