The word "benevolent" refers to someone who shows kindness or the inclination to help others. It is rooted in the Latin word "bene" meaning "well" and "volent" meaning "wishing." Therefore, "benevolent" is commonly associated with being kind-hearted and generous.
Let's analyze the provided options:
- Hostile: This means being unfriendly or antagonistic. It is the opposite of benevolent.
- Generous: This reflects a willingness to give more than is necessary or expected, and aligns well with the idea of being benevolent.
- Lazy: This describes a person who is unwilling to work or exert effort, which is unrelated to benevolence.
- Greedy: This indicates a desire to have more of something than is needed or appropriate, which contrasts with benevolence.
From this analysis, the correct synonym for "benevolent" is Generous.