behalf

[ bih-haf, -hahf ]

behalf

/ bɪˈhɑːf /

noun

1. interest, part, benefit, or respect (only in the phrases on ( someone's ) behalf , on or US and Canadian in behalf of , in this ( or that ) behalf )

Usage

On behalf of is sometimes wrongly used where on the part of is intended. The distinction is that on behalf of someone means `for someone's benefit' or `representing someone', while on the part of someone can be roughly paraphrased as `by someone'. So, the following example is incorrect: another act of apparent negligence, this time not on behalf of the company itself, but on behalf of its banker , when what was meant was there was negligence by the company's banker

Word History and Origins

Origin of behalf¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; Middle English bihalve, earlier as adverb and preposition with the sense “near(by),” originally, as prepositional phrase bi halve “on one side”; be-, by, half

Word History and Origins

Origin of behalf¹

Old English be halfe from be by + halfe side; compare Old Norse af halfu

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in / on behalf of, as a representative of or a proxy for:

   On behalf of my colleagues, I address you tonight.

2. in / on someone's behalf, in the interest or aid of (someone):

   He interceded in my behalf.

More idioms and phrases containing behalf

see in behalf of .

Example Sentences

She filed her own claim against the city earlier this year, alleging was been denied the promotion as retaliation for agreeing to testify on Colomey’s behalf.

From Los Angeles Times

Olson sued on behalf of two gay couples, and Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that it was unconstitutional discrimination to deny them the right to marry.

From Los Angeles Times

More than 15 years after the death of heavy metal icon Ronnie James Dio, his widow and friends are continuing the fight against cancer on his behalf.

From Los Angeles Times

They could have mailed them on or before election day, put them in a drop box or authorized someone to return the ballots on their behalf.

From Los Angeles Times

A medical power of attorney gives power to someone else to help manage medical decisions on your behalf.

From Salon

Related Words

• favor
• side