benefit
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a performance or party held to raise money for a good cause.
n.a public performance or social event held to raise funds for a specific person, group, or charity.
Simple“The local theatre is hosting a benefit for the children's hospital next week.”
In context“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.”
Synonymsfundraisercharity event - 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to be useful or helpful to someone.
v.to provide an advantage to; to be beneficial to. Transitive use.
Simple“The new park will benefit everyone who lives in the city centre.”
In context“The proposed tax reforms are designed to benefit small businesses, though critics argue the primary gains will be seen by larger corporations.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
v.to get an advantage from something.
v.to receive an advantage; to profit from something. Intransitive use.
Simple“Many students benefit from having a quiet place to study at home.”
In context“The local economy has benefited significantly from the influx of tourists following the restoration of the historic district.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'from'.
Usage benefit people · additional benefit · apparent benefit
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.