ENGLISH
REFERENCE

benefit

n. C / U
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈbɛnəfɪt// UK //bˈɛnɪfˌɪt// ben·e·fit Academic Archaic General-service

n. a good or helpful result that you get from something. It is an advantage that makes your life or a situation better.

n. an advantage or profit gained from something; a helpful effect. Often used in plural form to describe the various positive outcomes of a policy or action.


SIMPLE

One benefit of exercise is having more energy.

CONTEXTUAL

The new health insurance plan offers a significant benefit to employees with young children.

COMPLEX

While the immediate financial gains are modest, the long-term benefit of investing in renewable energy infrastructure will be felt by the entire community for decades.

Synonyms
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.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate the source of the advantage.

Pitfall

The benefit for the exercise is health.The benefit of exercise is health.When describing the source of a positive effect, 'benefit' usually takes the preposition 'of' rather than 'for'.

© 2026 English Reference