Benefit

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈbɛn.ɪ.fɪt/

Definitions

1. An advantage or positive effect gained from something, or financial assistance provided to those in need
2. A favorable outcome or gain obtained from an action or situation, as well as a form of support or assistance offered to individuals who require help
3. An advantageous result derived from a specific action or circumstance, along with a form of aid or financial support for those in need

Etymology: The word's older English form was "benfet," borrowed from Anglo-Norman, where it meant a good or noble deed. Its ancestor was the Old French "bienfet" or "bienfait," which carried the same sense of a favour or kindness done for someone. Those French forms were built from "bien" ("well") and "faire" ("to do"), so the original idea was simply something well done. English speakers later reshaped the word to look more Latin. The spelling and sound were altered under the influence of Latin "bene-" ("well"), which gave us the "bene-" in "benefit" as it appears today. The Latin model behind this change was "benefactum," meaning a good deed, which is also the source of "benefactor." The gain-oriented sense of "benefit" developed from that core idea of a kindly deed. A favour done for someone became a good that person received, and eventually any favourable outcome from an action.

Synonyms: advantage, profit, gain, reward, blessing

Antonyms: disadvantage, loss, detriment, harm, drawback