Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl/

Definitions

1. Adjective: Resulting in good; advantageous or helpful.
2. Adjective: Having a positive effect on someone or something.

Usage Examples

• "The new policies were beneficial to the economy."
• "A healthy diet is beneficial for long-term wellness."
• "The practice of yoga is beneficial to both body and mind."

Etymology

From Latin "beneficialis," meaning "pertaining to good, beneficial," from "beneficium," meaning "a kindness, benefit," from "bene" meaning "well" + "facere" meaning "to do."

Synonyms

• Advantageous
• Helpful
• Profitable
• Beneficent
• Favorable

Antonyms

• Harmful
• Detrimental
• Unfavorable
• Injurious
• Disadvantageous

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "beneficial" is fairly consistent across English dialects. However, in some regions, particularly in the UK, the emphasis may shift slightly to the second syllable, as in /ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃəl/.

Historical Usage

The word "beneficial" has been used in English since the early 16th century, deriving from Latin "beneficium," meaning "a benefit." Initially, it referred to something that provided a tangible benefit or advantage, especially in legal or social contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the idea of something being beneficial often extends beyond material advantage to include emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. In the West, "beneficial" is frequently used in discussions of health, economics, and education. In Eastern cultures, it may be applied more broadly to actions that promote balance, harmony, and collective well-being.

More Information

The concept of "beneficial" actions or outcomes is a central idea in many fields, from ethics and philosophy to medicine and economics. Beneficial outcomes are typically seen as those that improve the quality of life or contribute positively to society, whether through individual actions or systemic changes. In ethics, particularly utilitarianism, a beneficial action is often one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being.