behalf
6 synonyms for behalf, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Used in phrases like "on behalf of" to mean acting or speaking for someone else, in their interest.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
in the name of
in the interest of
as a representative of
for the sake of
How to use behalf
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on behalf of
in behalf of someone
Etymology
From Old English bī healfe, literally "by the side of" — the idea of standing at someone's side, representing them.
Full origin of behalf →Frequently asked questions
What does “behalf” mean?
The word “behalf” means used in phrases like "on behalf of" to mean acting or speaking for someone else, in their interest. In plain terms, representing or acting for someone else's interest.
How do you pronounce “behalf”?
“Behalf” is pronounced bih-HAHF (/bɪˈhæf/ in IPA).
How do you use “behalf” in a sentence?
Here is “behalf” used in a sentence: “She accepted the award on behalf of the whole team.”
What part of speech is “behalf”?
“Behalf” is a noun.
Where does the word “behalf” come from?
The word “behalf” comes from Old English. From Old English bī healfe, literally "by the side of" — the idea of standing at someone's side, representing them.
Is “behalf” a common word?
“Behalf” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What does 'on behalf of' mean?
'On behalf of' means acting, speaking, or doing something for someone else, as their representative or in their interest. For example, 'She accepted the award on behalf of the whole team.' It signals that you're standing in for others rather than acting purely for yourself.
What is the difference between 'on behalf of' and 'in behalf of'?
'On behalf of' means acting as someone's agent or representative, signing a form for them, for instance. 'In behalf of,' now rare and mainly American, means for the benefit of someone. Modern usage has largely merged the two, and 'on behalf of' is safe in almost every context.
How do you use 'behalf' in a sentence?
'Behalf' almost always appears in the phrases 'on behalf of' or 'on someone's behalf.' For example, 'The lawyer spoke on behalf of her client,' or 'Thank you all, on behalf of the family.' It isn't used alone; it needs the surrounding phrase to make sense.
