What does "benign" not mean?

The term "benign" primarily refers to something that is gentle, harmless, or kind in nature. When describing a condition or influence, "benign" implies that it does not pose a threat or cause harm. This word is often used in medical contexts, such as a benign tumor, which means it is non-cancerous and not harmful.

In contrast, "dangerous" is the opposite of what "benign" conveys. Something dangerous poses a risk or threat, making this the correct answer to the question regarding what "benign" does not mean. The other terms—harmless, kind, and gentle—all align with the positive and non-threatening connotations of "benign."