Benign
/bɪˈnaɪn/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Benign describes something that is harmless or not dangerous. It can also mean kind and gentle in behavior or effect. In medicine, it often refers to a condition or growth that is not cancerous and does not spread.
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See It in Action
Harmless or not causing damage or danger
- •The tumor was benign, so the doctor said it was not a threat.
- •The weather was benign, perfect for a picnic.
- •His smile was benign and made everyone feel comfortable.
Kind and gentle in behavior or effect
- •She had a benign attitude toward the new students.
- •The teacher’s benign manner helped shy children feel safe.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "benign" like "nice" (A1 word), but used to describe things or situations that are safe and not harmful
- ✓Picture a soft, calm smile from a friendly person who means no harm
- ✓It feels like a warm, gentle breeze that does not hurt or disturb you
- ✓Sounds like "be-NINE" → imagine a friendly nine (9) that always helps and never hurts anyone
- ✓In stories, a benign character is someone who helps others quietly and kindly, not causing trouble
- ✓NOT like "dangerous" (can hurt you), benign means safe and gentle
- ✓NOT like "malignant" (harmful in medicine), benign means good or harmless
- ✓NOT like "harsh" (strong and rough), benign is soft and kind
Try Other Words
- •Harmless: not causing any harm or damage (Use when emphasizing safety or no danger)
- •Kind: gentle and caring (Use when talking about behavior or attitude)
- •Safe: not dangerous or risky (Use when focusing on security or protection)
- •Gentle: soft and mild in effect (Use when describing behavior or physical sensation)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "benign" comes as a whole word
- •Etymology: From Latin "benignus" meaning kind or well-born
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century in English to mean kind or gentle; later used in medicine for non-dangerous conditions
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in medical, social, and everyday contexts to describe something safe, gentle, or not harmful
Reflect & Connect
•Can something that seems benign at first become harmful later? How do we decide?
•How does the idea of benign relate to kindness in people and safety in objects or situations?
Fill in the blanks
1.The doctor said the tumor was benign, meaning it was ___ and would not cause ___.
2.His benign smile made everyone feel ___ and ___.
3.Unlike a malignant tumor, a benign one does not ___ or ___ to other parts of the body.
4.The weather was benign, so we decided to ___ outside without worry.
5.She had a benign attitude, showing ___ and no ___ toward others.
6.When something is described as benign, it usually means it is ___ or ___.
7.The teacher’s benign manner helped the shy children feel ___ and ___ in class.