Definition of: benefit

(ben′ə·fit) noun
1. Profit; advantage; promotion of welfare or prosperity; helpful result.
2. A benefaction or deed of kindness; favor bestowed; privilege.
3. A special theatrical or musical performance, at which the performers usually serve gratuitously, and the proceeds of which are bestowed on some particular person or on some charity.
4. Pecuniary aid extended by a benefit society. See synonyms under FAVOR, PROFIT, UTILITY,
—v. ·fit·ed, ·fit·ing v.t. To be helpful or useful to.
—v.i. To profit; gain advantage. See synonyms under SERVE. [<AF benfet, OF bienfait <L benefactum good deed <benefacere do well]