This adjective, meaning “gentle and kindly,” has been in use since the late 18th century, when it was patterned on the word “malignant,” meaning “evil in nature, influence, or effect.” The Latin “benignus” combines “bene,” meaning “well,” and “genus,” meaning “born.” The opposing adjectives are used in medical contexts today. A malignant tumor is one that spreads and is cancerous. “Benign” is commonly used for nonmalignant tumors, but “benignant” is also used sometimes in the medical field.