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behalf

[ bih-haf, -hahf ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

behalf

/ ��ɪˈ��ɑː�� /

noun

interest, part, benefit, or respect (only in the phrases on ( someone's ) behalf , on or US and Canadian in behalf of , in this ( or that ) behalf )

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Usage

On behalf of is sometimes wrongly used where on the part of is intended. The distinction is that on behalf of someone means `for someone's benefit' or `representing someone', while on the part of someone can be roughly paraphrased as `by someone'. So, the following example is incorrect: another act of apparent negligence, this time not on behalf of the company itself, but on behalf of its banker , when what was meant was there was negligence by the company's banker

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Word History and Origins

Origin of behalf¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; Middle English bihalve, earlier as adverb and preposition with the sense “near(by),” originally, as prepositional phrase bi halve “on one side”; be-, by, half

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Word History and Origins

Origin of behalf¹

Old English be halfe from be by + halfe side; compare Old Norse af halfu

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Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

in / on behalf of, as a representative of or a proxy for:
On behalf of my colleagues, I address you tonight.
in / on someone's behalf, in the interest or aid of (someone):
He interceded in my behalf.

More idioms and phrases containing behalf

see in behalf of .

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

If I have the opportunity to perhaps be a voice and say 'look, this is the situation out there,' and kind of speak on their behalf.

From

Lynn DeGrio, another of Johnson's aunts, spoke at the event on behalf of the family, describing him as "humble, modest and down to earth".

From

"Each one offers a distinctive experience, showing the endless creativity and care that goes into making museums inspiring and exciting spaces for everyone," she noted, speaking on behalf of the award judges.

From

But in line with longstanding royal practice, it was owned under the names of other people or companies, acting on his behalf as so-called "nominees".

From

She had ordered flowers on Wednesday, on behalf of her 91-year-old mother, for her mother's friend, who was celebrating their 90th birthday.

From

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

be had Behan

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