benign meaning

UK /bɪˈnaɪn/ US /bɪˈnaɪn/ 2 syllables

benign (adjective): not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor).

benign has 3 meanings in this dictionary.

benign as an adjective

  1. not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)

    Opposite: malignant

  2. pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
    • a benign smile
    • the benign sky
    • the benign influence of pure air

    Synonyms: benignant

    Opposite: malign

    Similar: kindly

    Related forms: benignancy

  3. kindness of disposition or manner
    • the benign ruler of millions
    • benign intentions

    Similar: kind

    Related forms: benignity, benignancy

How to pronounce benign

benign is pronounced /bɪˈnaɪn/ in British English and /bɪˈnaɪn/ in American English. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.

Words that rhyme with benign

Scrabble score: 9 (letter breakdown)

Word lists: words starting with BE · words ending in GN · 6-letter words

More about benign on Wikipedia.