Definition of benefit

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< beneficiary

benefit of clergy >

ben·e·fit    (bn-ft) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. Something that promotes or enhances well-being; an advantage: The field trip was of great benefit to the students.
   2. Help; aid.
2. A payment made or an entitlement available in accordance with a wage agreement, an insurance policy, or a public assistance program.
3. A public entertainment, performance, or social event held to raise funds for a person or cause.
4. Archaic A kindly deed.

VERB:
ben·e·fit·ed, also ben·e·fit·ted ben·e·fit·ing, ben·e·fit·ting ben·e·fits, ben·e·fits
VERB:
tr.

To be helpful or useful to.

VERB:
intr.

To derive benefit: You will benefit from her good example.

IDIOM:
benefit of the doubt

A favorable judgment granted in the absence of full evidence.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French bienfait, good deed, from Latin benefactum, from benefacere, to do a service ; see benefaction

SYNONYMS:
benefit, capitalize, profit

These verbs mean to derive advantage from something: benefited from the stock split; capitalized on her adversary's blunder; profiting from experience.