benefit
Meanings
noun
- An advantage; help or aid from something.
- A payment made in accordance with an insurance policy or a public assistance scheme.
- An event, such as a theatrical performance, given to raise funds for some cause.
- beneficence; liberality
- Intended audience (as for the benefit of).
verb
- To be or to provide a benefit to.
- To receive a benefit (from); to be a beneficiary.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
From Late Middle English benefytt, benefett, alteration (due to Latin bene-) of 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 bienfaire (“to do good, do well”), from bien (“well”) + faire (“to do”), modelled after Latin benefactum (“good deed”). More at benefactor.
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Translations
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