benignly

Definitions

benign + -ly. benign = bene- (well) + gn (born) = 'born good, harmless.' Adverb form describes acting in that mild, well-meaning way. The exact opposite root-mate is malign (born bad).

Common Collocations

• 1.smile benignly和善地微笑
• 2.look on benignly宽容地旁观
• 3.nod benignly和蔼地点头

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The old professor smiled benignly at the nervous students.

• 2.

  The government looked on benignly as the festival grew.