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benefit

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The definition of a benefit is something that will provide an advantage for others, something you may receive as compensation from an insurance company or an event to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

(noun)

An example of a benefit is the action of creating a community playground.
An example of a benefit is the payment you receive from the insurance company if your house burns down.
An example of a benefit is a dinner intended to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation.

To benefit is defined as to be helpful to others, or to receive help from others.

(verb)

An example of benefit is to make a donation to the community's volunteer fire department. An example of benefit is to receive help after a serious illness.

See benefit in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Archaic a kindly, charitable act; benefaction
1. gain or advantage: tax legislation for the benefit of the rich
2. a favorable or beneficial circumstance, condition, or result: several benefits to good nutrition
fringe benefit
payments made by an insurance company, public agency, welfare society, etc. as during sickness, retirement, unemployment, etc. or for death
any public performance, bazaar, dance, etc. the proceeds of which are to help a certain person, group, or cause

Origin: ME benefet < OFr bienfait, a kindness < L benefactum, meritorious act < benefacere: see benefaction

transitive verb benefited, benefiting

to do good to or for; aid

intransitive verb

to receive advantage; profit

See benefit in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Something that promotes or enhances well-being; an advantage: The field trip was of great benefit to the students.
b. Help; aid.
A payment made or an entitlement available in accordance with a wage agreement, an insurance policy, or a public assistance program.
A public entertainment, performance, or social event held to raise funds for a person or cause.
Archaic A kindly deed.