benefaction

American  

[ben-uh-fak-shuhn, ben-uh-fak-] / ˈbɛn əˌfæk ʃən, ˌbɛn əˈfæk- /

noun

1. an act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed.

   He is known throughout the region for his many benefactions.

2. the benefit conferred; charitable donation.

   to solicit benefactions for earthquake victims.

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benefaction British  

/ ˌbɛnɪˈfækʃən /

noun

1. the act of doing good, esp by giving a donation to charity

2. the donation or help given

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Etymology

Origin of benefaction

1655–65; < Late Latin benefactiōn- (stem of benefactiō ), equivalent to Latin bene bene- + fact ( us ) done ( fact ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Calling himself a “venture philanthropist,” he expected his benefaction to bring more than a pat on the back and naming rights.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2021

Instead of experiencing a benefaction as a good turn, people sometimes regard it as a mere payment of what they are owed, for which no one deserves any moral credit.

From Salon • Aug. 7, 2018

Varenne had had a number of wealthy patrons and the cumulative result of their benefaction was her “perfectly furnished” apartment in the Marais section of Paris.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2014

But many disagreed, including Mark Twain, who called JM Barrie's story "a great and refining and uplifting benefaction to this sordid and money-mad age".

From The Guardian • Dec. 5, 2012

It also indicates enough interest in formal learning to make such a benefaction worthwhile—as opposed, say, to paying more dancers to paint themselves purple and dance on wine-soaked streets.

From "Circumference" by Nicholas Nicastro