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:
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:
idiom
benefit of the doubt
- A favorable judgment granted in the absence of full evidence.
American Heritage
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Benefit
Origin of Benefit
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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
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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
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