The expression “coffee break” was first attested in 1952 in glossy magazine advertisements by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau.
BENIGN
benign, benignant
(adjective) pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence; “a benign smile”; “the benign sky”; “the benign influence of pure air”
benign
(adjective) kindness of disposition or manner; “the benign ruler of millions”; “benign intentions”
benign
(adjective) not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a tumor)
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Adjective
benign (comparative benigner or more benign, superlative benignest or most benign)
Kind; gentle; mild.
(of a climate or environment) mild and favorable
(in combination) Not harmful to the environment.
(medicine) Not posing any serious threat to health; not particularly aggressive or recurrent.
Synonyms
• (medicine): non-malignant
Antonyms
• malign
• malignant
Source: Wiktionary
Be*nign", a. Etym: [OE. benigne, bening, OF. benigne, F. bénin, fem. bénigne, fr. L. benignus, contr. from benigenus; bonus good + root of genus kind. See Bounty, and Genus.]
1. Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous; favorable; benignant. Creator bounteous and benign. Milton.
2. Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor, etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome. Kind influences and benign aspects. South.
3. Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.
Syn.
– Kind; propitious; bland; genial; salubrious; favorable salutary; gracious; liberal.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
11 May 2025
MALLET
(noun) a light drumstick with a rounded head that is used to strike such percussion instruments as chimes, kettledrums, marimbas, glockenspiels, etc.
Coffee Trivia
