behalf

American  

[bih-haf, -hahf] / bɪˈhæf, -ˈhɑf /

idioms

1. in / on behalf of, as a representative of or a proxy for.

   On behalf of my colleagues, I address you tonight.

2. in / on someone's behalf, in the interest or aid of (someone).

   He interceded in my behalf.

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behalf British  

/ bɪˈhɑːf /

noun

1. interest, part, benefit, or respect (only in the phrases on ( someone's ) behalf , on or US and Canadian in behalf of , in this ( or that ) behalf )

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behalf More Idioms  

1. see in behalf of.

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Usage

On behalf of is sometimes wrongly used where on the part of is intended. The distinction is that on behalf of someone means `for someone's benefit' or `representing someone', while on the part of someone can be roughly paraphrased as `by someone'. So, the following example is incorrect: another act of apparent negligence, this time not on behalf of the company itself, but on behalf of its banker , when what was meant was there was negligence by the company's banker

Etymology

Origin of behalf

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; Middle English bihalve, earlier as adverb and preposition with the sense “near(by),” originally, as prepositional phrase bi halve “on one side”; see be-, by, half

Explanation

Behalf means speaking or acting for someone. A parent can sign forms on behalf of children when they are young, but adult children can sign on behalf of their aging parents. Some people make a distinction between the meaning of the word behalf when paired with in versus on. In behalf, they argue, is used when the meaning is in the interest of someone else, but on behalf is used when speaking for someone. For example, a medical decision would be made in behalf of the patient, and you would speak on behalf of your family. The reality is that on behalf is typically used for both meanings.

Example Sentences

Details of the due diligence checks made before Lord Mandelson's appointment, which were carried out by the Cabinet Office on behalf of Number 10, are still to emerge.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

He has called on the bishops to defend the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, and they have answered by submitting legal briefs to the Supreme Court on their behalf.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

Mullin — on behalf of several immigrant rights groups, the three immigrants picked up at a bus stop, including Villegas, and two U.S. citizens, one of whom was held despite showing agents his identification.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Once an airport expresses interest in the SPP, the most airport management can do is hope TSA does its job in selecting a competent contractor on the airport’s behalf.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Aides took phone calls, attended meetings, and drafted statements on my behalf.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• favor
• side