Benefit Definition

bĕnə-fĭt

benefited, benefiting, benefits, benefitted, benefitting

noun

benefits

Something that promotes or enhances well-being; an advantage.

The nurse explained the benefits of regular exercise.

American Heritage

A kindly, charitable act; benefaction.

Webster's New World

Help; aid.

The field trip was of great benefit to the students.

American Heritage

Gain or advantage.

Tax legislation for the benefit of the rich.

Webster's New World

A payment made by a government agency or insurance company to qualifying persons in time of need.

An increase in welfare benefits.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

verb

benefited, benefiting, benefits, benefitted, benefitting

To be helpful or useful to.

American Heritage

To do good to or for; aid.

Webster's New World

To receive advantage; profit.

Webster's New World

To derive benefit.

You will benefit from her good example.

American Heritage

To be or to provide a benefit to.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

idiom

benefit of the doubt

A favorable judgment granted in the absence of full evidence.

American Heritage

Other Word Forms of Benefit

Noun

Singular:

benefit

Plural:

benefits

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Benefit

benefit of the doubt

Origin of Benefit

From Late Middle English benefytt, benefett, alteration (due to Latin bene-) of Middle English benfet, bienfet, bienfait (“good or noble deed”), from Anglo-Norman benfet (“well-done”), Middle French bienfait, from Old French bienfet, bienfait (“foredeal, favour”), from past participle of Old French bienfaire (“to do good, do well”), from bien (“well”) + faire (“to do”), modelled after Latin benefactum (“good deed”). More at benefactor.

From Wiktionary
Middle English from Old French bienfait good deed from Latin benefactum from benefacere to do a service benefaction

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition