Question

question 16 of 20
read the following entries from the online etymology dictionary.
omnivorous (adj.)
1650s, from latin omnivorus \all - devouring,\ from omnis \all\ (see omni - ) + vorare \devour, swallow\ (see voracity). related: omnivorously; omnivorousness.
benefactor (n.)
mid - 15c., from late latin benefactor, from latin phrase bene facere, from bene \well\ (see bene - ) + facere \to do\ (see factitious). translated in old english as wel - doend.
online etymology dictionary, s.v. \omnivorous,\ accessed september 14, 2014, http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=omnivorous&allowed_in_frame=0.
online etymology dictionary, s.v. \benefactor,\ accessed september 14, 2014, http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=benefactor&allowed_in_frame=0.
based on the information above, what does the word omnibenevolent most likely mean?
○ a. universally good
○ b. devouring goodness
○ c. all powerful
○ d. many benefactors

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of "omnibenevolent", we analyze the word parts using the given etymologies:

• From "omnivorous", we know "omni-" comes from Latin "omnis" meaning "all".
• From "benefactor", we know "bene-" comes from Latin "bene" meaning "well" (related to goodness).

Combining "omni-" (all) and "bene-" (good/well) with the root "benevolent" (showing goodwill), "omnibenevolent" should mean universally good.

• Option B is incorrect as "devouring" comes from "vorare" (not related to "bene-").
• Option C is incorrect as "powerful" is not indicated by the roots here.
• Option D is incorrect as "omnibenevolent" is an adjective describing a quality, not a noun about benefactors.

Answer:

A. Universally good