be·nig·ni·ty \-nignəd.ē, -ətē, -i\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English benignite, from Middle French benignité, from Latin benignitat-, benignitas, from benignus benign + -itat-, -itas -ity 1.: the quality or state of being benign < the angelic spinster … smiled with soft benignity — Arnold Bennett > < the benignity or malignancy of the tumor — Biological Abstracts > 2.archaic: a kind or generous deed, gift, or manifestation : kindness