- 1[uncountable, countable] an advantage that something gives you; a helpful and useful effect that something has I've had the benefit of a good education. The new regulations will be for the benefit of 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. With the benefit of hindsight (= knowing what we have learned since), we would do things differently. For maximum benefit, take the pills before meals. see cost-benefit
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- 2[countable, usually plural] an advantage that you get from a company in addition to the money that you earn; money from an insurance company Your benefits package includes medical and dental insurance. The insurance plan will provide a substantial cash benefit to your family in case of your death. see fringe benefit
- 3[countable] an event such as a performance, a dinner, etc., organized in order to raise money for a particular person or charity a benefit game/concert The proceeds from the benefit will go directly to the refugee camps. Idioms
especially in order to help or be useful to someone I have typed out some lecture notes for the benefit of those people who were absent last week. Don't go to any trouble for my benefit!
to accept that someone has told the truth or has not done something wrong because you cannot prove that they have not She may have been lying, but I felt I had to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Check pronunciation: benefit