Dictionary:

benevolence

  (bə-nĕv'ə-ləns)

1. An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts.
2. 1. A kindly act.
   2. A gift given out of generosity.
3. A compulsory tax or payment exacted by some English sovereigns without the consent of Parliament.

noun

1. Kindly, charitable interest in others: altruism, beneficence, benignancy, benignity, charitableness, charity, goodwill, grace, kindheartedness, kindliness, kindness, philanthropy. See attitude/good attitude/bad attitude/neutral attitude, kind/cruel.
2. A charitable deed: benefaction, beneficence, benignity, favor, kindliness, kindness, oblation, office (often used in plural), philanthropy. See give/take/reciprocity, kind/cruel.

Definition: charity
Antonyms: animosity, greediness, ill will, malevolence, meanness, selfishness, spite, unkindness

General desire for the good of others, and disposition to act so as to further that good. Moral philosophers may be more or less optimistic about the intensity and scope of such desire, or its general presence in human nature. See altruism, egoism.

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