【Benevolent】 , 【beneficent】 are closely related rather than strictly synonymous terms.
【Benevolent】 , which applies primarily to persons, means kindly in feelings and disposed to be generous or charitable, thereby emphasizing the will to do good, while 【beneficent】 , which applies to persons and things, means doing or effecting good, thereby emphasizing the fact of doing good.
Consequently 【benevolent】 is not only applied to a person, a group, or an institution, but to matters (as looks, attitudes, intentions, manners, and tones) that suggest a kindly disposition or a wish to help.
【Benevolent】 may sometimes take on a new connotation either seriously or ironically and suggest the attitude of a person on the outside who is little more than a well-wisher.
【Beneficent】 heightens the implication of doing good. It is therefore preferred when the emphasis is upon accomplishment rather than upon intention.
Unlike 【benevolent】 , 【beneficent】 may be used without any hint of volition and is then applicable to the benefits produced by things.
