behalf
bi-HAF/bɪˈhæf/UKbi-HAHF/bɪˈhɑːf/
- 1The good or benefit of a person, group, or thing.
Like helping someone else get what is good for them, not for yourself.
He spoke up on behalf of his younger brother, who was too shy to defend himself.
The group raised money on behalf of families who lost their homes.
Note
- 2Someone's place or right to act, taken up by another person acting for them.
Like a captain speaking for the whole team when talking to the referee.
The lawyer signed the papers on behalf of his client.
She accepted the prize on behalf of the whole team.
Note
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Origin
From Old English words meaning "by (someone's) side," made of "by" plus "half/side."