What is benefit? Pronunciation and usage in English

benefit means . Learn how to pronounce and use benefit through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of benefit

benefitnoun

/ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of benefit

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "benefit" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "be-" - This part sounds like "bee" as in "bee" (pronounced /biː/)
  • "nef-" - This is where it gets a little tricky. It sounds like "nihf" – almost like you're saying "knee" then quickly adding a very short, airy "f" sound. (pronounced /nɪf/)
  • "-it" - This is pronounced like the "it" in "sit" (pronounced /ɪt/)

2. Putting it Together:

So, when you combine them, it sounds like: "bee-nihf-it" (bee-nihf-it)

3. Key Tips & Common Errors:

  • Don't say "ben-e-fit." This is a very common mistake. The "e" is silent.
  • The "f" in "nihf" is light. It’s not a strong "f" like in "fun." It's a very quick, subtle sound.
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable: **"be-**nit".

4. Resources to Listen:

  • Google Translate: Type "benefit" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. It's a good quick reference.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%91enefit/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word from various countries.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce benefit" on YouTube and you’ll find many videos demonstrating the correct pronunciation.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Try a few different variations of the pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word benefit in English

Let's break down how to use the word "benefit" in English. It's a very versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. As a Noun (Things that provide good things):

  • Definition: Something that is advantageous or helpful.
  • Examples:
    • "Exercise has numerous benefits for your health." (Health is the thing received)
    • "The company offered a generous benefit package to its employees." (The package is the thing)
    • "What are the benefits of using this software?" (The advantages are being discussed)
    • "She enjoys the benefits of a healthy diet." (Healthy diet provides good things)

2. As a Verb (To receive good things; to help):

  • Definition: To gain an advantage or benefit; to help someone.
  • Examples:
    • "He benefits from his hard work." (He gains an advantage)
    • "The charity benefits from donations." (It receives support)
    • “This new policy will benefit all students.” (Students will gain something positive)
    • “Investing in renewable energy will benefit the environment.” (The environment will be helped)

3. More Specific Meanings & Phrases:

  • Health Benefits: (Referring to advantages for physical or mental health) "This medication has significant health benefits."
  • Financial Benefits: (Referring to advantages related to money) "Investing early can provide financial benefits."
  • Social Benefits: (Referring to advantages for society) "Universal healthcare would have social benefits."
  • "Benefit from": This is a very common phrase. It means to gain advantage or profit from something. “I benefited from his advice.”
  • "Benefit to": This indicates who or what receives the advantage. “The new law provides a benefit to the elderly.”

4. Common Phrases Using "Benefit":

  • Benefit of the doubt: To assume someone is innocent until proven guilty. "I'll give him the benefit of the doubt."
  • Benefit-driven: Something that focuses on providing benefits. "This marketing strategy is benefit-driven."
  • Mutual benefit: A situation where both parties gain something. "The trade agreement offered mutual benefit for both countries."

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Form of "Benefit" Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Noun Something advantageous/helpful “The benefits of exercise are clear.”
Verb Verb To gain an advantage/to help “She benefits from her talent.”
Phrase Phrase To gain advantage from something “I benefited from his mentorship.”

Tips for Using "Benefit" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine whether "benefit" is being used as a noun or a verb.
  • Consider the object: When using "benefit" as a verb, think about who or what is benefiting.
  • Don't overuse it: While "benefit" is a useful word, try to vary your vocabulary.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you doing (e.g., academic essay, casual conversation, business report)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with where you want to use "benefit"?

Synonyms for the word benefit

Idioms of the word benefit

for the benefit of somebody | for somebody’s benefit
especially in order to help or be useful to somebody
  • 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!
give somebody the benefit of the doubt
to accept that somebody has told the truth or behaved well 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.

Practice with vocabulary benefit

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Regular exercise can provide a significant ________ to both physical and mental health.
  2. The company decided to invest in training programs to ________ its employees' skills.
  3. One of the main ________ of working remotely is the flexibility it offers.
  4. The new policy aims to ________ small businesses by reducing their tax burden.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes an advantage or positive outcome?
    a) Benefit b) Drawback c) Obstacle d) Challenge
  2. The new software is expected to ________ the team by streamlining their workflow.
    a) Hinder b) Benefit c) Complicate d) Disrupt
  3. What does the phrase "mutual benefit" imply?
    a) A one-sided advantage b) Shared advantage c) No advantage d) A disadvantage
  4. Which word is NOT related to a positive outcome?
    a) Benefit b) Advantage c) Detriment d) Profit
  5. The company launched a wellness program to ________ its employees' health.
    a) Support b) Benefit c) Ignore d) Neglect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The new policy helps employees by providing flexible working hours.
    Rewrite: The new policy offers a ________ to employees by providing flexible working hours.
  2. Original: Learning a second language can improve your career prospects.
    Rewrite: Learning a second language can ________ your career prospects.
  3. Original: The program aims to give advantages to underprivileged communities.
    Rewrite: The program aims to ________ underprivileged communities.

Answer

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. benefit
  2. enhance
  3. benefits
  4. support

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Benefit
  2. b) Benefit
  3. b) Shared advantage
  4. c) Detriment
  5. b) Benefit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The new policy offers a benefit to employees by providing flexible working hours.
  2. Learning a second language can benefit your career prospects.
  3. The program aims to empower underprivileged communities.

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