Definition of profit

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prof·it    (prft) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An advantageous gain or return; benefit.
2. The return received on a business undertaking after all operating expenses have been met.
3. 1. The return received on an investment after all charges have been paid. Often used in the plural.
   2. The rate of increase in the net worth of a business enterprise in a given accounting period.
   3. Income received from investments or property.
   4. The amount received for a commodity or service in excess of the original cost.

VERB:
prof·it·ed, prof·it·ing, prof·its
VERB:
intr.

1. To make a gain or profit.
2. To derive advantage; benefit: profiting from the other team's mistakes. See Synonyms at benefit.

VERB:
tr.

To be beneficial to.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Old French, from Latin prfectus, from past participle of prficere, make progress, to profit : pr-, forward ; see pro-¹ + facere, to make; see dh- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
profit·less(Adjective)