Meaning
benign
- kindly
In a sentence
Il medico ha detto che il tumore è benigno.
The doctor said the tumor is benign.
Il professore ci ha rivolto un sorriso benigno.
The professor gave us a kindly smile.
Il suo tono non era benigno, ma freddo.
His tone wasn't kind, but cold.
Word forms (4)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| benigno | masculine · singular |
| benigna | feminine · singular |
| benigni | masculine · plural |
| benigne | feminine · plural |
Usage notes
- Often used in formal or medical contexts: tumore benigno is standard; for a kind person, gentile or buono is usually more natural.
- With people, benigno can sound literary, old-fashioned, or patronizing depending on context.
- It agrees normally: benigno, benigna, benigni, benigne. Learners often forget the feminine singular benigna.