Added 7 October 2026
benefit
/ˈbɛn.ɪ.fɪt/ noun
In Latin: beneficium Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about benefit at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Financial assistance in time of need.
-
Something that aids or promotes well-being.
for the benefit of all
- A performance to raise money for a charitable cause.
verb
-
Derive a benefit from.
She profited from his vast experience
-
Be beneficial for.
This will do you good
Origin
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.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)