/ ˈbenɪfɪt; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U , C ] an advantage that sth gives you; a helpful and useful effect that sth has :
I've had the benefit of a good education.
The new regulations will be of benefit to everyone concerned.
It will be to your benefit to arrive early.
He couldn't see the benefit of arguing any longer.
the benefits of modern medicine
It was good to see her finally reaping the benefits (= enjoying the results) of all her hard work.
—see also cost-benefit , fringe benefit
2.
[ U , C ] ( BrE ) money provided by the government to people who need financial help because they are unemployed, ill / sick, etc.
—see also child benefit , housing benefit , sickness benefit
3.
[ C , usually pl. ] an advantage that you get from a company in addition to the money that you earn; money from an insurance company :
The insurance plan will provide substantial cash benefits to your family in case of your death.
—see also fringe benefit
4.
[ C ] an event such as a performance, a dinner, etc., organized in order to raise money for a particular person or charity :
a benefit match / concert
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IDIOMS
- for sb's benefit
- give sb the benefit of the doubt
■ verb ( -t- or -tt- )
1.
[ vn ] to be useful to sb or improve their life in some way :
We should spend the money on something that will benefit everyone.
2.
[ v ] benefit (from / by sth) to be in a better position because of sth :
Who exactly stands to benefit from these changes?
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (originally denoting a kind deed or something well done): from Old French bienfet , from Latin benefactum good deed, from bene facere do good (to).