French Conversation · Level 93
60 words
French word
bienveillance
Pronunciation
IPA/bjɛ̃vɛjɑ̃s/
Meaning
- feminine nounkindness
Example
Il a toujours fait preuve de bienveillance envers ses collègues.
He has always shown kindness toward his colleagues.
More examples
Le professeur a regardé l'élève avec bienveillance.
The professor looked at the student with goodwill.
Core concept
An ongoing disposition to treat people with kindness, respect, and concern.
Common phrases
attitude de bienveillance
an attitude of goodwill
montrer de la bienveillance
show goodwill
manquer de bienveillance
lack goodwill
Similar words
gentillesse: Kindness shown through helpful acts, especially toward people in difficulty.
prévenance: Thoughtful care that anticipates another person's feelings and needs.
amabilité: A gentle, pleasant manner toward other people.
sympathie: A feeling of empathy and goodwill toward others.
Definition in French
Attitude qui manifeste bonté et sympathie envers les autres, accompagnée d'un souci de leur bien-être.
Word origin
Bienveillance developed by combining bien with veillance, whose history is linked to veiller and thus to attentive care rather than a single helpful act.
Usage tips
- Bienveillance usually describes a general attitude or manner, whereas a single helpful act is more naturally called a geste de gentillesse.
Other meanings
- goodwillnoun
Opposites
- malveillanceill willnoun
Related words
- bienveillantbenevolentadjective