BENIGN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does benign mean? 

• BENIGN (adjective)
  The adjective BENIGN has 3 senses:

1. not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)

2. pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence

3. kindness of disposition or manner

  Familiarity information: BENIGN used as an adjective is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BENIGN (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)

Domain category:

pathology (the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases)

Antonym:

malignant (dangerous to health; characterized by progressive and uncontrolled growth (especially of a tumor))

Sense 2

Meaning:

Pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence

Synonyms:

benign; benignant

Context example:

the benign influence of pure air

Similar:

kindly (pleasant and agreeable)

Also:

harmless (not causing or capable of causing harm)

kind (having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior)

Attribute:

benignancy; benignity; graciousness (the quality of being kind and gentle)

Antonym:

malign (evil or harmful in nature or influence)

Derivation:

benignancy (the quality of being kind and gentle)

Sense 3

Meaning:

Kindness of disposition or manner

Context example:

benign intentions

Similar:

kind (having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior)

Derivation:

benignancy; benignity (the quality of being kind and gentle)

 Context examples 

These tumors are usually benign (not cancer).

(MEN1 syndrome, NCI Dictionary)

It usually has a benign clinical course.

(Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor, NCI Thesaurus)

A benign or malignant neoplasm that affects the meninges.

(Meningeal Neoplasm, NCI Thesaurus)

A benign or malignant, primary or metastatic tumor arising from the mesenchyma-derived cells of the soft tissues or bone.

(Mesenchymal Cell Neoplasm, NCI Thesaurus)

Depending on their histological features and clinical behavior, their grade ranges from benign neoplasms (WHO grade I) to highly malignant sarcomas (WHO grade IV).

(Mesenchymal Non-Meningothelial Tumor of the Central Nervous System, NCI Thesaurus)

A benign melanocytic proliferation without metastatic potential.

(Melanocytoma, NCI Thesaurus)

A benign (not cancer) growth on the skin that is formed by a cluster of melanocytes (cells that make a substance called melanin, which gives color to skin and eyes).

(Melanocytic Nevus, NCI Dictionary)

A benign neoplasm arising from any of the adrenal cortical layers.

(Adrenal Cortex Adenoma, NCI Thesaurus/CDISC)

Nature seemed to me benign and good; I thought she loved me, outcast as I was; and I, who from man could anticipate only mistrust, rejection, insult, clung to her with filial fondness.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

A benign or malignant (primary or metastatic) neoplasm affecting the adrenal cortex.

(Adrenal Cortex Neoplasm, NCI Thesaurus)