How to Pronounce "bene"
word
ˈbɛnə
BEN-uh
ˈbiːni
BEE-nee
Definition
'Bene' is a Latin root meaning 'good' or 'well'. In English, it is seen in words like 'benefit', 'benevolent', and 'benign', but rarely used alone except in academic or literary contexts.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbɛnə
British English
ˈbiːni
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BEN-uh
UK
BEE-nee
Listen in Context
The word 'benefit' comes from the Latin 'bene', meaning 'good'.
The prefix 'bene-' gives words a positive meaning, like 'benevolent'.
Doctors sometimes use the word 'benign', which has the same Latin root 'bene'.
Once you know 'bene' means good, words like 'benefit' and 'benevolent' are easier to understand.