behalf
noun
Simple meaning
For someone's benefit.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
bihhafSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
bɪˈhæf
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
noun
For someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive)
The interest, benefit, or wellbeing of someone or something.
when adopted by someone else
One's role or rightful place; stead or authority.
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- A2 · Elementary (estimated)
- Frequency
- Common
- Typical Use
- Everyday English
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: For someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive)
Used this way, behalf is a reasonably familiar word with a mildly favourable edge. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Slightly positive
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Moderate
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Positive and appreciative
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
More ways to use behalf
- “The guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child.”noun
Share your sentence
Use This Word
See how this word sounds in a real sentence.
Ask Vocabaura
Understand the word your way.
What Does It Mean Here?
Words can change meaning depending on context.
Use it yourself
Knowing “behalf” starts when you use it. Pick a next step, all free.
Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.