French word

bienveillant

Pronunciation

IPA/bjɛ̃vɛjɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivekind

Example

Il est toujours bienveillant avec ses collègues.

He is always kind to his colleagues.

Illustration for bienveillant (kind)

More examples

Le voisin a été bienveillant quand je suis tombé.

The neighbor was kind when I fell.

Core concept

A calm stance that watches over people with goodwill and care.

Common phrases

  • être bienveillant envers quelqu'un

    be kind to someone

  • avoir un regard bienveillant

    have a compassionate look

Similar words

gentil: Treating people with kindness and gentleness.
sympathique: Likable and pleasant in a way that leaves a good impression.
aimable: Warm, courteous, and agreeable in social dealings.
attentionné: Thoughtful about the details of another person's needs.

Definition in French

Qui adopte une attitude favorable et attentionnée à l'égard d'une personne ou d'un groupe.

Word origin

Bienveillant combines bien with veillant, the present participle of veiller, which comes from Latin vigilare, meaning to stay awake or watch.

Usage tips

  • Bienveillant agrees in gender and number, giving bienveillante, bienveillants, and bienveillantes.

Other meanings

  • well-disposedadjective
  • benevolentadjective

Opposites

  • malveillantmaliciousadjective
  • indifférentindifferentadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word