I. ˈbe-nə-ˌfit noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French benfet, from Latin bene factum, from neuter of bene factus, past participle of bene facere
Date: 14th century
1. archaic : an act of kindness : benefaction
2.
a. : something that promotes well-being : advantage
b. : useful aid : help
3.
a. : financial help in time of sickness, old age, or unemployment
b. : a payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy
c. : a service (as health insurance) or right (as to take vacation time) provided by an employer in addition to wages or salary
4. : an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause
II. verb
( ben·e·fit·ed -ˌfi-təd ; also -fit·ted ; -fit·ing also -fit·ting )
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
: to be useful or profitable to
intransitive verb
: to receive benefit
has benefit ed from his experience
• ben·e·fit·er -ˌfi-tər noun