behalf
bih-HAHF
Behalf (noun) means used in phrases like "on behalf of" to mean acting or speaking for someone else, in their interest. Example: “She accepted the award on behalf of the whole team.”
noun
1
Used in phrases like "on behalf of" to mean acting or speaking for someone else, in their interest.
"She accepted the award on behalf of the whole team."
"He signed the contract on his client's behalf."
"On behalf of everyone here, I would like to thank our hosts."
How to use behalf
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRepresenting or acting for someone else's interest.
Common pairings
on behalf of
in behalf of someone
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Word forms
- Plural
- behalves, behalfs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She accepted the award on _____ of the whole team.
Etymology
From Old English bī healfe, literally "by the side of" — the idea of standing at someone's side, representing them.
Synonyms
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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.
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