profit
profit Lexical Profile
profit Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A financial gain, especially the difference between the amount earned and the amount spent in buying, operating, or producing something.
"The small bakery reported a record profit after introducing its new line of artisan breads."
An advantage, benefit, or useful result gained from an action, experience, or study.
"There is very little profit in arguing over minor mistakes that have already been corrected."
• verb
To obtain a financial advantage or benefit, especially from an investment, transaction, or situation.
"Early investors profited handsomely when the technology startup went public."
To be beneficial or useful to someone.
"It will profit us nothing to rush the research phase before the equipment is calibrated."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'profit' (financial gain or advantage) with its homophone 'prophet' (an inspired teacher or predictor of the future).
• Rhymes for profit
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Old French 'profit', which derives from the Latin noun 'profectus' ('progress, advance, profit'), the past participle of 'proficere' ('to make headway' or 'be useful'), formed from 'pro-' ('forward') and 'facere' ('to make or do').