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n. 1. a. Something that promotes or enhances well-being; an advantage: The nurse explained the benefits of regular exercise. b. Help; aid: The field trip was of great benefit to the students. 2. a. A payment made by a government agency or insurance company to qualifying persons in time of need: an increase in welfare benefits. b. A form of compensation, such as paid vacation time, subsidized health insurance, or a pension, provided to employees in addition to wages or salary as part of an employment arrangement. Also called fringe benefit. 3. A public entertainment, performance, or social event held to raise funds for a person or cause. 4. Archaic A kindly deed. v. ben·e·fit·ed, ben·e·fit·ing, ben·e·fits also ben·e·fit·ted or ben·e·fit·ting v.tr. To be helpful or useful to. v.intr. Idiom: To derive benefit: You will benefit from her good example. benefit of the doubt A favorable judgment granted in the absence of full evidence. [Middle English, from Old French bienfait, good deed, from Latin benefactum, from benefacere, to do a service; see BENEFACTION.] |
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