C1adjectiveformalsciencenature
US/bɪˈnaɪn/
UK/bɪˈnaɪn/
not harmful; (of a tumor) not cancer; kind and gentle
In context
Doctors were relieved to find that the tumor was benign.
Most bacteria in your gut are benign and even helpful.
Some apps look benign but secretly collect your contacts.
Words that go with benign
adjective + noun
- benign tumorA benign tumor does not spread to other parts of the body.
- benign climateThe island's benign climate attracts retirees.
adverb + adjective
- relatively benignThe side effects of the drug are relatively benign.
- environmentally benignScientists are looking for environmentally benign pesticides.
- largely benignMost of these online trends are largely benign.