Bene

/ˈbɛneɪ/ noun

Definition

Latin meaning 'well' or 'good,' sometimes used in English phrases like 'bene nota' (well noted) or in medical prescriptions.

Etymology

From Latin 'bene,' an adverb meaning 'well,' which appears in many English words like 'benefit,' 'benevolent,' and 'beneficial.' Latin 'bene' itself may come from Proto-Indo-European roots related to 'well-being.'

Kelly Says

The prefix 'bene-' appears in tons of English words because of Latin—benefit, benevolent, benediction—they all mean something basically good or well! Medical students still use 'bene' in prescriptions to mean 'well' in formal Latin phrases.

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