Word: beneficent (adjective)

Associations

The word "beneficent" means doing good or causing good to be done; it describes someone or something that is kind, generous, and helpful.

• A beneficent person donates money to charity. This shows kindness and generosity.
• A beneficent act is helping a stranger in need, like giving food or shelter.
• A beneficent organization works to improve people's lives, such as a charity or relief group. A close synonym is "benevolent," but "beneficent" often emphasizes the action of doing good, while "benevolent" focuses more on the kind intention or attitude.

Substitution

Instead of "beneficent," you can use:

• "kind" – more general and less formal.
• "generous" – focuses on giving more than usual.
• "benevolent" – emphasizes good will and kindness. Using "beneficent" sounds more formal and highlights the act of doing good.

Deconstruction

"Beneficent" comes from Latin:

• "bene" means "well" or "good."
• "ficent" comes from "facere," meaning "to do" or "to make." So "beneficent" literally means "doing good" or "making good happen."

Inquiry

• Can you think of a person in your life who is beneficent? What did they do?
• How is a beneficent action different from just being polite?
• Can an organization be beneficent? What would it do to earn that description?