n. & v.
--n.
1. an advantage or benefit.
2 financial gain; excess of returns over outlay.
--v. (profited, profiting)
1. tr. (also absol.) be beneficial to.
2 intr. obtain an advantage or benefit (profited by the experience).
Phrases and idioms:
at a profit with financial gain. profit and loss account an account in which gains are credited and losses debited so as to show the net profit or loss at any time. profit margin the profit remaining in a business after costs have been deducted. profit-sharing the sharing of profits esp. between employer and employees. profit-taking the sale of shares etc. at a time when profit will accrue.
Derivatives:
profitless adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L profectus progress, profit f. proficere profect- advance (as PRO-(1), facere do)