benefit

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A good or helpful effect that something has; an advantage.

   Regular exercise has many benefits for your health.

2. 2
   verb

   To get a good or helpful effect from something.

   I benefited greatly from the local training program.

3. 3
   verb

   To be good or helpful for someone or something.

   This new contract benefits our firm greatly.

4. 4
   noun

   An event held to raise money for a good cause.

   The band played a benefit for the local hospital.

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.

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