benefityoudaoicibaDictYouDict[benefit 词源字典]
benefit: [14] The element bene- occurs in a wide variety of English words. It comes from Latin bene ‘well’, a close relative of Latin bonus ‘good’. Amongst its combinations are benediction [15], literally ‘saying well’, hence ‘blessing’, benefaction ‘doing well’ [17], and benevolent ‘wishing well’ [15]. Benefit is related to benefaction, since it too comes ultimately from Latin bene facere, but it took a more indirect route to English, from Latin benefactum ‘good deed’ via Old French bienfait and Anglo- Norman benfet.
[benefit etymology, benefit origin, 英语词源]
benefit (n.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict
late 14c., "good or noble deed," also "advantage, profit," from Anglo-French benfet "well-done," from Latin benefactum "good deed," from bene facere (see benefactor). Meaning "performance or entertainment to raise money for some charitable cause" is from 1680s.
benefit (v.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict
late 15c., from benefit (n.). Related: Benefited; benefiting.