How to pronounce benefit
Say it like BEN-uh-fit. Benefit has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce benefit. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BEN
- uh
- fit
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Benefit pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- fitKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of benefit
American and British speakers say benefit in essentially the same way: /ˈbɛnəfɪt/ in the US and /ˈbɛnɪfɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: BEN-ih-fit.
What does benefit mean?
- financial assistance in time of need
- something that aids or promotes well-being“for the benefit of all”
- a performance to raise money for a charitable cause
- derive a benefit from“She profited from his vast experience”
- be beneficial for“This will do you good”
Where does benefit come from?
From Late Middle English benefytt, benefett, alteration (due to Latin bene-) of benfet, bienfet, bienfait (“good or noble deed”), from Anglo-Norman benfet (“well-done”), Middle French bienfait, from Old French bienfet, bienfait (“foredeal,
Questions about saying benefit
How do you pronounce benefit?
Say BEN-uh-fit. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɛnəfɪt/. In British English it is /ˈbɛnɪfɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in benefit?
Benefit has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BEN). Broken into parts: BEN · uh · fit.
Do Americans and Brits say benefit the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbɛnəfɪt/ and the British form is /ˈbɛnɪfɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.