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Beneficial

 - 3 dictionary results

ben⋅e⋅fi⋅cial

[ben-uh-fish-uhl]
–adjective
1. conferring benefit; advantageous; helpful: the beneficial effect of sunshine.
2. Law.
a. helpful in the meeting of needs: a beneficial association.
b. involving the personal enjoyment of proceeds: a beneficial owner.

Origin:
1425–75; late ME < LL beneficiālis, equiv. to L benefici(um) kindness (see benefice ) + -ālis -al 1


ben⋅e⋅fi⋅cial⋅ly, adverb
ben⋅e⋅fi⋅cial⋅ness, noun


1. salutary, wholesome, serviceable, useful, favorable, profitable.


1. harmful.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Beneficial
ben·e·fi·cial   (běn'ə-fĭsh'əl)   
adj.  
  1. Producing or promoting a favorable result; advantageous.

  2. Law Receiving or having the right to receive proceeds or other advantages.


[Middle English, from Old French beneficial, from Late Latin beneficiālis, from Latin beneficium, benefit; see benefice.]
ben'e·fi'cial·ly adv., ben'e·fi'cial·ness n.
Synonyms: These adjectives apply to what promotes a favorable result or gain. Beneficial is said of what enhances well-being: a trade agreement beneficial to all countries.
Profitable refers to what yields material gain or useful compensation: profitable speculation on the stock market.
Something advantageous affords improvement in relative position or in chances of success: found it socially advantageous to entertain often and well.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: ben·e·fi·cial
Pronunciation: "be-n&-'fi-sh&l
Function: adjective
1 : providing benefits or advantages
2 : receiving or entitling one to receive an advantage, benefit, or use beneficial shareholder> beneficial estate> —ben·e·fi·cial·ly /-sh&-lE/ adverb
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