beneficial

American  

[ben-uh-fish-uhl] / ˌbɛn əˈfɪʃ əl /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of beneficial

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

Example Sentences

"Based on many years of basic research by us and others, we know that blood stem cell transplants could also be beneficial for a wide range of autoimmune diseases," Shizuru said.

From Science Daily

The YouTube and Roblox connection is more than symbolic; the companies have developed a mutually beneficial working relationship.

From Barron's

Also to Dominion’s benefit, offshore wind is usually energy independent and beneficial to national security.

From Barron's

Spending therapeutic time among one’s family alone, says Dr. Samtani, is less beneficial than reuniting with people who are less familiar but with whom you share memories.

From The Wall Street Journal

China and Kyrgyzstan say the partnership has been beneficial to both sides, but some in the local population have complained the influx of Chinese workers and companies has driven up prices and pollution.

From Barron's

Related Words

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