C1adverbformalemotionsrelationships
US/bɪˈnaɪn.li/
UK/bɪˈnaɪn.li/
in a kind, gentle way that shows no wish to cause harm
In context
The old teacher smiled benignly at the nervous students.
The king looked benignly on the crowd from his balcony.
She nodded benignly, as if nothing could upset her.
Words that go with benignly
verb + adverb
- smile benignlyThe priest smiled benignly at the children.
- nod benignlyHe nodded benignly at the suggestion.
- look benignlyThe grandfather looked benignly at the game.
- watch benignlyShe watched benignly as they played.
- beam benignlyThe host beamed benignly at his guests.
adverb + verb
- benignly neglectThe government benignly neglected the issue.