benign
Meaning: In medicine, of a tumour or growth, not cancerous or harmful; more broadly, gentle, kindly, or harmless in nature.
Benign is most commonly used in medical contexts as the opposite of 'malignant.' A benign tumour does not invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. In broader usage, benign describes anything gentle, favourable, or harmless: a benign climate, a benign influence, a benign smile. It can also describe a leader or regime that is well-meaning, though sometimes with an undertone of paternalism.
Examples
- The biopsy results confirmed that the lump was benign and required no further treatment. 活检结果证实该肿块为良性,无需进一步治疗。Los resultados de la biopsia confirmaron que el bulto era benigno y no requería tratamiento adicional.生検の結果、しこりは良性であり、さらなる治療は不要であることが確認された。조직검사 결과, 종괴는 양성이며 추가 치료가 필요하지 않음이 확인되었다.
- The region enjoys a benign climate with mild winters and warm summers. 该地区享有温和的气候,冬季温暖、夏季凉爽。La región disfruta de un clima benigno con inviernos suaves y veranos cálidos.この地域は冬が穏やかで夏が暖かい、温暖な気候に恵まれている。이 지역은 겨울이 온화하고 여름이 따뜻한 온난한 기후를 누리고 있다.
- What appeared to be a benign policy change had significant unintended consequences. 看似无害的政策变更却产生了重大的意想不到的后果。Lo que parecía un cambio de política inocuo tuvo consecuencias imprevistas de calado.一見無害に見えた政策変更が、重大な意図せざる結果をもたらした。겉보기에 무해해 보였던 정책 변경이 심각한 의도치 않은 결과를 초래했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin benignus (kind, generous), probably from bene (well) and gignere (to bear, produce). Used in English since the 14th century, with the medical sense developing in the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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