beneficence
buh-NEF-uh-sunss
/bəˈnef.ɪ.səns/
The quality of doing good; active goodness or kindness; actions done for the benefit of others.
Represents an active moral obligation to promote welfare, going beyond non-maleficence (merely avoiding harm).
The story behind the word. From Latin 'beneficentia', combining 'bene' (well) and 'facere' (to do/make). Literally meaning 'well-doing', it moved into English to describe concrete actions that yield positive welfare for others.
Word relationships
- benevolence: Benevolence refers to a well-wishing attitude, whereas beneficence refers to active deeds of goodwill.
- altruism: Altruism emphasizes selflessness at personal cost, while beneficence highlights performing actions that promote welfare.
- malevolence: The active desire or effort to cause harm or evil to others.
Commonly confused with
- benevolence: Benevolence is wishing good; beneficence is doing good in actual practice.
Word family
- beneficent (adjective): Doing good; actively helpful and charitable
- beneficiary (noun): A person who receives benefits or aid
Collocations
- duty of beneficence
- principle of beneficence
- paternalistic beneficence
- active beneficence
Example sentences
- "Medical protocols require researchers to balance the obligation of beneficence against the necessity of minimizing risk." Bioethics Standard
Memory hook
BENE (good) + FIC (do/make) = doing good for others. Goodness put into active practice.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'benevolence', which is the internal feeling or wish to do good; beneficence is the actual execution of good deeds.
Fun facts
- The landmark Belmont Report (1979) established beneficence as one of three core ethical pillars governing all human subject scientific research worldwide.
Explore more words
benevolent, non-maleficence, altruistic, altruism, supererogatory, philanthropic
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