benefits: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Neutral, Business
Quick answer
What does “benefits” mean?
Advantages, profits, or helpful effects gained from something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Advantages, profits, or helpful effects gained from something.
Payments or entitlements provided by the government or an employer, such as health insurance or pension contributions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'benefits' strongly collocates with state welfare payments (e.g., 'on benefits'). In the US, 'benefits' more commonly refers to employment perks (e.g., 'benefits package'). The UK term 'fringe benefits' is less common than 'employee benefits' in the US.
Connotations
In UK public discourse, 'benefits' can carry neutral or negative connotations depending on context (e.g., 'benefits system' vs. 'benefits scrounger'). In US corporate contexts, it is predominantly positive, denoting compensation.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK media regarding social policy. Higher frequency in US corporate and HR contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “benefits” in a Sentence
The benefits of [noun/gerund]to benefit from [noun]to be of benefit to [person/group]for the benefit of [person/group]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “benefits” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new tax policy benefits higher earners.
- She benefited greatly from the training course.
American English
- The whole community benefits from the program.
- He hasn't benefited from the recent changes.
adverb
British English
- This is beneficially held in trust.
- The scheme operates beneficially for all.
American English
- The rules were beneficially amended.
- The property is held beneficially for the heirs.
adjective
British English
- She attended a benefit gig for the local hospice.
- He is in receipt of benefit payments.
American English
- They held a benefit concert for the fire department.
- The benefit plan is very comprehensive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to non-wage compensation provided to employees, such as health insurance, pension plans, and paid leave.
Academic
Used to discuss the positive outcomes or advantages of a theory, policy, or intervention in a measured, evidence-based way.
Everyday
Commonly refers to the good points of a product, activity, or situation, or to state welfare payments.
Technical
In economics/HR, denotes quantifiable advantages or the components of total remuneration. In wellness, denotes positive health effects.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “benefits”
- Using a singular verb with plural 'benefits' (e.g., 'The benefits is great' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'benefits of' with 'benefits for' ('benefits of exercise' vs. 'a scheme for the benefit of pensioners').
- Misspelling as 'benifits'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the singular 'benefit' is used for a general advantage ('the benefit of experience') or a charity event ('a benefit concert'). The plural is standard for multiple advantages or a package of entitlements.
'Advantages' often refer to a favourable position or inherent superior quality. 'Benefits' emphasise the positive outcomes or gains that are produced or received. They are often interchangeable, but 'benefits' has a stronger link to tangible results or compensation.
The word itself is positive, but the context can frame it negatively, e.g., 'He's only in it for the benefits,' implying selfish motives. The phrase 'with the benefits of hindsight' is neutral, meaning with the advantage of later knowledge.
It is a regular verb: benefit - benefited - benefited (US & UK common) or benefitted - benefitted (UK variant). It can be transitive ('The reform benefits everyone') or intransitive with 'from' ('We benefited from her advice').
Advantages, profits, or helpful effects gained from something.
Benefits is usually formal, neutral, business in register.
Benefits: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnɪfɪts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnəfɪts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone the benefit of the doubt”
- “for the benefit of the doubt”
- “reap the benefits”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BENEFIT concert: the profits (BENEFITS) go to a good cause, providing an advantage to those in need.
Conceptual Metaphor
BENEFITS ARE HARVEST (reap the benefits), BENEFITS ARE TREASURE (a wealth of benefits), BENEFITS ARE PARTS OF A PACKAGE (benefits package).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'benefits' MOST likely to refer to government payments?