benefactor

Where does the word "benefactor" come from? It comes from Latin bene, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Benefactor’s story begins in Latin: bene meant “well, good.” Well, good, combined with factor (a doer, from facere, to do). Within Latin, it grew into benefactor by ancient. One who does good, a doer of good deeds, from bene and facere. It reached English by 1400s as benefactor. From 'bene', well, plus 'facere', to do. Today, benefactor means a person who gives financial or other help to a person or cause.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient bene "well, good", well, good, combined with factor (a doer, from facere, to do).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient benefactor "one who does good", one who does good, a doer of good deeds, from bene and facere.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s benefactor "a person who gives money or help to a cause or person", from 'bene', well, plus 'facere', to do.