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”; 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

A spokesperson said: "Officials acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Justice are examining if there are grounds to challenge the Parole Board's decision through the reconsideration mechanism".

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

But on behalf of all survivors everywhere, of any gender, identity or age, let me give you some blanket answers to “Why now?”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

“On behalf of the Board, we are pleased to welcome Silvio as Lucid’s next CEO,” said Turqi Alnowaiser, Chairman of the Lucid Board of Directors, in a news release External link.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

State visits are carried out by the monarch on behalf of the UK government.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Instead of working together, however, those working on behalf of each group undermined one another.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• favor
• side