Meaning & Definition of word "Benefit"

Benefit

/ˈbɛnɪfɪt/

noun:

  • 1. An advantage or profit gained from something.
    • Example: The new policy provides a significant benefit to employees in terms of health insurance.
  • 2. A payment or gift, typically in the form of money or services, provided to help someone.
    • Example: She received a benefit from the government to help with her housing costs.
  • 3. A charitable event held to raise money for a specific cause.
    • Example: They organized a concert as a benefit for the local animal shelter.

verb:

  • 1. To receive an advantage or profit from something.
    • Example: Many children benefit from early exposure to music education.
  • 2. To provide something useful or advantageous to someone.
    • Example: The new software will greatly benefit our research projects.

Etymology

Middle English: from Latin 'beneficium', meaning 'a doing good'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

benefit of the doubt:

Giving someone the assumption of truth in the absence of complete evidence.

benefit concert:

An event organized to raise funds for a specific cause.

cost-benefit analysis:

A process of comparing the costs and benefits of an action or decision.

Related Words

advantage:

A condition or circumstance that puts one in a favorable or superior position.

profit:

The financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent.

revenue:

The income generated from normal business operations.

Slang Meanings of benefit

Meaning: Get the hook up

Example Sentence: He knows a guy, so he always gets the benefit of free drinks.

Meaning: Cash cow

Example Sentence: This new app is a cash cow for the developers, bringing in huge benefits.