benefit

[ ben-uh-fit ]
/ ˈbɛn ə fɪt /

noun

something that is advantageous or good; an advantage: He explained the benefits of public ownership of the postal system.
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.
a theatrical performance or other public entertainment to raise money for a charitable organization or cause.
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.

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.

to derive benefit or advantage; profit; make improvement: He has never benefited from all that experience.

Idioms for benefit

    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.

Origin of benefit

1350–1400; late Middle English benefytt, benefett (noun), alteration (with Latinized first syllable) of Middle English b(i)enfet, benefait < Anglo-French benfet, Middle French bienfait < Latin benefactum good deed; see bene-, fact

synonym study for benefit

1. See advantage.

OTHER WORDS FROM benefit

Example sentences from the Web for benefit

British Dictionary definitions for benefit

benefit
/ (ˈbɛnɪfɪt) /

noun

something that improves or promotes
advantage or sake this is for your benefit
British
  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
(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
a theatrical performance, sports event, etc, to raise money for a charity

verb -fits, -fiting or -fited or esp US -fits, -fitting or -fitted

to do or receive good; profit

Word Origin for benefit

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

Idioms and Phrases with benefit

benefit

see give the benefit.