benefit

Where does the word "benefit" come from? It comes from Latin bene, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Benefit’s story begins in Latin: bene meant “well, good.” Well, good, combined with facere (to make, to do). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as benfet. Carried into French for a good deed or favor. It reached English by 1300s as benefit. Settled as the English word for an advantage or profit gained. Today, benefit means an advantage, profit, or helpful effect gained from something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient bene "well, good", well, good, combined with facere (to make, to do).
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval benfet "a good deed, a favor", carried into French for a good deed or favor.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s benefit "an advantage or profit gained from something", settled as the English word for an advantage or profit gained.