Benefit Meaning

UK /ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
US /ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
Word Definition
benefit meaning

Benefit Definition & Usage

noun

An advantage or profit gained from something.

Examples

  • "The new health insurance policy offers great benefits, including dental coverage."
  • "She decided to leave her job for the benefit of her family, as the work-life balance was poor."
  • "One of the benefits of working from home is the flexibility in managing your schedule."
  • "Exercise has numerous benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and boosting mood."
  • "The charity event raised funds for a worthy cause, providing benefits to thousands of children."
verb

To receive an advantage or profit from something.

Examples

  • "The company will benefit from the new partnership with a global tech giant."
  • "I hope you can benefit from this training by improving your skills."
  • "She benefited from the free educational resources offered by the program."
  • "The community benefits greatly from the new park being built in the neighborhood."
  • "The tax reforms are designed to benefit small businesses."

Cultural Context

The word 'benefit' has long been used to describe advantages or rewards gained from something, originating from the Latin 'beneficium'. It is used widely in both formal and informal settings. In business, law, and healthcare, the term 'benefit' is often used to refer to entitlements or perks offered by employers or the government, such as employee benefits, health benefits, or social security benefits.

The Benefit of Helping Hands

Story

The Benefit of Helping Hands

In the small town of Oakridge, the residents had long known that the key to a strong community was the willingness to help one another. One sunny afternoon, Sarah, a high school teacher, was walking through the park when she saw a group of her students gathered around a large tree, trying to lift a fallen branch. It had been an old tree, now blocking the path that led to the playground. As she approached, she smiled and asked, 'Can I give you a hand?' The students, grateful for her help, quickly explained that they had been trying to move the branch for over an hour but just couldn’t lift it. Sarah, knowing that many hands make light work, called for more help. Soon, a few parents joined in, as well as some older residents of the town. Within minutes, the path was cleared. While they were working together, Sarah couldn’t help but think about the real benefit of such an effort. The branch had been a physical obstacle, but what they had accomplished together went beyond that. It wasn’t just about clearing the path; it was about strengthening the bonds within the community. People who had never spoken to each other before were now exchanging stories and building new relationships. As they all stood back and admired their work, Sarah turned to one of the parents, who had recently moved to the town, and said, 'This is what Oakridge is about. We may be small, but we have each other, and that's the real benefit.' The parent smiled, clearly appreciating the deeper meaning of the word. Later that week, Sarah found herself reflecting on how many benefits could be gained from such small acts of kindness. Not just in terms of physical work, but in the positive effects on one's well-being, and the community spirit it fostered. She had benefited personally from witnessing the transformation of strangers into friends, and she knew that Oakridge, with its spirit of mutual support, was a place where everyone could thrive. It was a reminder that sometimes, the greatest benefits don’t come in the form of money or possessions but in the way people come together and help each other. And that day in the park, as she helped lift that fallen branch, Sarah realized that even small acts could create ripples of benefit that would last for years to come.

The Benefit of Helping Hands