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

Did you discuss the strategy and tax impact with him ahead of time and/or did you give him carte blanche to make these kinds of decisions on your behalf?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

A lawyer entered not-guilty pleas on his behalf during a brief court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

"I'm hesitating because I'm speaking on behalf of other people and that's very difficult to do," he said.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Some directors who fired Altman felt the lack of startup disclosures made it impossible to understand how he might personally benefit from deals he pursued on behalf of OpenAI, The Wall Street Journal previously reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

I had gone direct to Mr. Jaggers at his private house, on my arrival over night, to retain his assistance, and Mr. Jaggers on the prisoner’s behalf would admit nothing.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Related Words

• favor
• side