benefit

Pronunciation: /ˈbɛn.ə.fɪt/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun financial assistance in time of need
  2. noun something that aids or promotes well-being
  3. noun a performance to raise money for a charitable cause

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
payment
Narrower (hyponyms)
stock option, fringe benefit, sick benefit, cost-of-living benefit, disability benefit, death benefit

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