beneficial

[ben-uh-fish-uhl]

adjective

1. conferring benefit; advantageous; helpful.

   the beneficial effect of sunshine.

   Synonyms: profitable, favorable, useful, serviceable, wholesome, salutary
   Antonyms: harmful

2. Law.

   1. helpful in the meeting of needs.

      a beneficial association.

   2. involving the personal enjoyment of proceeds.

      a beneficial owner.

beneficial

/ ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl /

adjective

1. (sometimes foll by to) causing a good result; advantageous

2. law entitling a person to receive the profits or proceeds of property

   a beneficial interest in land

Other Word Forms

• beneficially adverb
• beneficialness noun
• nonbeneficial adjective
• nonbeneficially adverb
• nonbeneficialness noun
• quasi-beneficial adjective
• quasi-beneficially adverb
• unbeneficial adjective
• unbeneficially adverb
• unbeneficialness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of beneficial¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Late Latin beneficiālis, equivalent to Latin benefici(um) “kindness” ( benefice ( def. ) ) + -ālis -al ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of beneficial¹

C15: from Late Latin beneficiālis , from Latin beneficium kindness

Example Sentences

It has been widely studied for its beneficial effects on metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

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For the time being, it seems to be smart business to focus on protein - whether it's truly beneficial or not.

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The insertion of a release clause, which would likely run beyond the £75m mark, could be beneficial to all parties if an agreement over a new deal is possible.

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Extra virgin olive oil, for example, is packed with antioxidants and beneficial compounds but its low smoke point means it is better for salad dressings or drizzling over food rather than deep frying.

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The president has always believed that government shutdowns are beneficial to him.

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Related Words

• benign 
• constructive 
• favorable 
• good 
• helpful 
• profitable 
• useful 
• valuable