benign
word
Definition
Describes something that is gentle, harmless, or not dangerous, especially used to talk about medical conditions like tumors. It can also mean kind and gentle in personality.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in medical contexts to mean non-cancerous. As a personality trait, it's formal and positive. Don't confuse with 'malignant' (dangerous). Often collocates with 'tumor', 'growth', or 'smile'.
Spanish: benigno - inofensivoPortuguese (BR): benigno - inofensivoPortuguese (PT): benigno - inofensivoChinese (Simplified): 良性 - 无害的Chinese (Traditional): 良性 - 無害的Hindi: सौम्य - हानिरहितArabic: حميد - غير ضارBengali: অনুগত - ক্ষতিকারক নয়Russian: доброкачественный - безвредный - добрыйJapanese: 良性（りょうせい） - 優しいVietnamese: lành tính - hiền lànhKorean: 양성의 - 온화한Turkish: iyi huylu - zararsızUrdu: خوش خیم - مہربانIndonesian: jinak - ramah
Example Sentences
The doctor said the lump is benign.
basic
The animal looks benign, but be careful.
basic
Thankfully, the growth turned out to be benign after the biopsy.
natural
He’s known for his benign nature—everyone feels comfortable around him.
natural
She has a benign smile.
basic
Not all tumors are dangerous—many are completely benign and require no treatment.
natural