In a kind, gentle, and harmless manner; without malice or harmful intent.
From benign (Latin benignus) + -ly adverbial suffix. The adverb form allows the quality of benignness to modify actions or behaviors, showing how something is done kindly.
When someone smiles benignly, they're not just smiling nicely—the word suggests they're smiling with genuine harmlessness and goodwill, which is why it's the perfect word for a wise elder's knowing, kind expression.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.