benign

adjective

1. 1

   Kind; gentle; mild.

   But though we both entertained these ideas, we differed in their application. Resentment added also a sting to my censure; and I reprobated Raymond's conduct in severe terms. Adrian was more benign, more considerate.

   I people my world with benign spirits. Everything talks to me and I respond to it.

   During it, [Ashley] Graham attempted to ask the actor [Hugh Grant] a series of benign questions, and he gave her very little to work with.

2. 2

   Of a climate or environment, mild and favorable.

3. 3

   Not harmful to the environment.

   an ozone-benign refrigerant

4. 4

   Not posing any serious threat to health; not particularly aggressive or recurrent.

   a benign tumor

   Despite the gruesome way it looks, cottontail rabbit papillomavirus is often benign, and many rabbits end up fighting it off on their own.

Forms

comparative

benigner, more benign

superlative

benignest, most benign