ENGLISH
REFERENCE

benefit

n. · v.
US //ˈbɛnəfɪt// UK //bˈɛnɪfˌɪt// ben·e·fit
  1. 1 charity event (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a performance or party held to raise money for a good cause.

    a public performance or social event held to raise funds for a specific person, group, or charity.

    Example

    The local theatre is hosting a benefit for the children's hospital next week.

    Example

    The gala served as a major benefit for the arts foundation, raising enough capital to sustain their community outreach programmes for the next fiscal year.
    • fundraiser
    • charity event
  2. 2 to help someone (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    to be useful or helpful to someone.

    to provide an advantage to; to be beneficial to. Transitive use.

    Example

    The new park will benefit everyone who lives in the city centre.

    Example

    The proposed tax reforms are designed to benefit small businesses, though critics argue the primary gains will be seen by larger corporations.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 to receive help (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic

    to get an advantage from something.

    to receive an advantage; to profit from something. Intransitive use.

    Example

    Many students benefit from having a quiet place to study at home.

    Example

    The local economy has benefited significantly from the influx of tourists following the restoration of the historic district.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'from'.
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.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference