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wohlwollend
benevolent
Showing a friendly, kind, and supportive attitude toward a person or thing.
example
Der Kritiker hat den neuen Roman sehr wohlwollend besprochen.
The critic reviewed the new novel very benevolently.
wohlwollend
benevolent
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'wohl' (well) and 'wollend' (the present participle of 'wollen' (to want)). It describes an attitude in which you 'want' something good for someone or something and have a positive attitude toward them or it.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem wohlwollenden Lächeln hörte sie sich seine Pläne an.
With a benevolent smile, she listened to his plans.
Typical collocations
'wohlwollend' (benevolent) often describes a reaction or attitude from people in an evaluating position. Typical combinations are 'ein wohlwollender Blick' (a benevolent look), 'eine wohlwollende Geste' (a benevolent gesture), 'wohlwollend nicken' (to nod benevolently), or 'etwas wohlwollend prüfen' (to examine something benevolently).
EXAMPLE
Der Professor prüfte ihre Abschlussarbeit sehr wohlwollend.
The professor assessed her thesis very benevolently.
Use as an adverb
'wohlwollend' (benevolent/benevolently) can also be used as an adverb to describe the manner of an action. It then remains unchanged and describes the verb more closely.
EXAMPLE
Er nickte wohlwollend, als ich ihm meine Idee erklärte.
He nodded benevolently when I explained my idea to him.
Compare with
wohlwollend vs freundlich
friendly
'freundlich' and 'wohlwollend' both describe a positive attitude toward other people. 'freundlich' mainly says that someone seems nice, pleasant, and polite. It works well in everyday situations, for example in a conversation or a greeting. 'wohlwollend' goes a little deeper: it means that someone is well-disposed toward a person or thing and is more likely to want to support it. The word often sounds somewhat more formal and fits well with evaluations, decisions, or an inner attitude.
wohlwollend
Die Chefin hat den Vorschlag wohlwollend geprüft.
The boss reviewed the proposal benevolently.
freundlich
Nach der Nachricht bleibt er bei der Arbeit freundlich zu allen.
After the news, he remains friendly to everyone at work.
In real life
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