benefit

[ ben-uh-fit ]

noun

1. something that is advantageous or good; an advantage:

   He explained the benefits of public ownership of the postal system.

   Synonyms: profit, gain, boon

2. a payment or gift, as one made to help someone or given by an employer, an insurance company, or a public agency:

   The company offers its employees a pension plan, free health insurance, and other benefits.

3. a theatrical performance or other public entertainment to raise money for a charitable organization or cause.
4. Archaic. an act of kindness; good deed; benefaction.

verb (used with object)

, ben·e·fit·ed or ben·e·fit·ted, ben·e·fit·ing or ben·e·fit·ting.

1. to do good to; be of service to:

   a health program to benefit everyone.

verb (used without object)

, ben·e·fit·ed or ben·e·fit·ted, ben·e·fit·ing or ben·e·fit·ting.

1. to derive benefit or advantage; profit; make improvement:

   He has never benefited from all that experience.

benefit

/ ˈbɛnɪfɪt /

noun

1. something that improves or promotes
2. advantage or sake

   this is for your benefit

3. 1. an allowance paid by the government as for sickness, unemployment, etc, to which a person is entitled under social security or the national insurance scheme
   2. any similar allowance in various other countries
4. sometimes plural a payment or series of payments made by an institution, such as an insurance company or trade union, to a person who is ill, unemployed, etc
5. a theatrical performance, sports event, etc, to raise money for a charity

verb

1. to do or receive good; profit

Other Words From

• ben·e·fit·er ben·e·fit·ter noun
• pre·ben·e·fit verb prebenefited or prebenefitted prebenefiting or prebenefitting
• self-ben·e·fit noun
• self-ben·e·fit·ing self-ben·e·fit·ting adjective
• su·per·ben·e·fit noun
• un·ben·e·fit·ed un·ben·e·fit·ted adjective
• un·ben·e·fit·ing un·ben·e·fit·ting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of benefit¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English noun benefytt, benefett, alteration (with Latinized first syllable) of Middle English b(i)enfet, benefait, from Anglo-French benfet, Middle French bienfait, from Latin benefactum “good deed”; bene- ( def ), fact ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of benefit¹

C14: from Anglo-French benfet , from Latin benefactum , from bene facere to do well

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. for someone's benefit, so as to produce a desired effect in another's mind:

   He wasn't really angry; that was just an act for his girlfriend's benefit.

More idioms and phrases containing benefit

see give the benefit .

Example Sentences

The whole thing was a benefit for Music for America, an erstwhile and earnest nonprofit that raised money to support progressive causes, and MoveOn.org, of petitioning fame.

From Slate

Carsley said Jones is "one of the best he's worked with in terms of ability" and he could benefit from the absences of Kobbie Mainoo and Rice.

From BBC

Yet they have also had their fears and prejudices manipulated by reactionary social forces or believe they will somehow benefit from the maintenance of an oppressive status quo, to say nothing of the creation of an even more oppressive alternative under the pro-plutocracy, pro-white nationalist, pro-patriarchy Trump.

From Salon

We understand the community gets excited when we get to see wildlife, such as the bear cub near Crescenta Valley High School, and it’s a benefit of our wonderful community!

From Los Angeles Times

Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday, which is generally seen as a benefit to shops.

From BBC

Related Words

• advantage
• aid
• asset
• assistance
• gain
• help
• interest
• perk
• profit
• prosperity
• use
• welfare