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Definition
A keyword: an important word to learn benefit1   Show phonetics
noun [C,U]
1 ADVANTAGE something that helps you or gives you an advantage
I've had the benefit of a happy childhood.

2 GOVERNMENT money that the government gives to people who are ill, poor, not working, etc
unemployment benefit

3 for sb's benefit in order to help someone
We bought the piano for the children's benefit.

4 give sb the benefit of the doubt
to choose to believe what someone tells you even though it may be wrong or a lie
See also: child benefit, fringe benefit

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