Behalf: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿค
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behalf

 

[bษชหˆhษ‘หf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

on behalf of

In the interest of; as a representative of. This phrase is commonly used in legal and formal contexts.

Synonyms

for the benefit of, in the name of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
behalf

Used when representing or speaking for someone else. Often used in formal or official contexts.

  • I am writing on behalf of the management.
in the name of

Used when invoking authority or stating who you represent, often in formal or serious situations. Can also be used in a more dramatic or emphatic context.

  • I demand justice in the name of the law.
  • In the name of our company, I welcome you.
for the benefit of

Used when indicating that something is done to help or advantage someone. Commonly used in contexts where the action is intended to have a positive impact on someone else.

  • We organized this fundraiser for the benefit of the local school.
  • All decisions were made for the benefit of our customers.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke on behalf of the entire team at the award ceremony.
  • The lawyer acted on behalf of her client during the trial.
Context #2 | Noun

behalf of

A person's interest or support. Used especially in the phrase 'on behalf of.'

Synonyms

backing, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
behalf

Use 'behalf' when you are representing or speaking for someone else, often in formal or official settings.

  • I am writing on behalf of my client
  • She accepted the award on behalf of the whole team
support

Use 'support' to refer to help, encouragement, or approval in both personal and professional contexts.

  • The team needs your support to succeed
  • She has always been a great support to her friends
backing

Use 'backing' to refer to financial support or endorsement, usually in a business or political context.

  • The project has the backing of several major investors
  • The candidate secured the backing of the local community

Examples of usage

  • He donated money on behalf of the charity.
  • She accepted the award on behalf of her colleagues.
Context #3 | Noun

behalf of

A side or part, typically in a conflict or dispute.

Synonyms

party, side.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
behalf

Used when representing or speaking for someone else, often in a formal or official capacity.

  • On behalf of the entire team, I would like to thank you for your support.
  • She accepted the award on behalf of her brother who couldn't attend the ceremony.
side

Typically used to refer to one of multiple groups or perspectives in a conflict, argument, or discussion. It can also refer to a physical or metaphorical part of something larger.

  • In the debate, she argued strongly for her side.
  • We need to consider both sides of the story before making a decision.
party

Usually refers to a person or group involved in a legal matter, contract, or business agreement. It is often used in formal or legal settings.

  • Both parties have agreed to the terms of the contract.
  • The party responsible for the damages will have to pay the repair costs.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer argued on behalf of the plaintiff in the court case.
  • Both parties presented their behalf of the story to the mediator.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'behalf', meaning 'by the (the) half', originally used to mean 'on the side of'.
  • It is a combination of the word 'be', meaning to be or exist, and 'half', suggesting a part of somethingโ€”reflecting representation.
  • Over time, its use evolved to denote acting for someone rather than just in favor of something.

Legal Contexts

  • In legal settings, actions taken on someone's behalf can allow a person to make decisions or agreements.
  • Power of attorney is often a document that allows one person to act on behalf of another, especially regarding finances or health decisions.
  • Legal contracts often require signatures 'on behalf of' a company or individual when a representative executes agreements.

Cultural Use

  • In many cultures, speaking on behalf of others reflects values of respect and familial duty.
  • Movements advocating social justice often highlight speaking on behalf of marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for representation.
  • The phrase 'on behalf of' is commonly used in speeches and written communication to express gratitude or announce comes from trusted figures.

Psychology

  • Supporting someone elseโ€™s interests or needs can strengthen social bonds and interpersonal relationships.
  • Research suggests that voicing support on behalf of others can enhance feelings of empathy and cooperation within group settings.
  • Representing others can lead to a phenomenon called 'collective agency', where groups feel empowered through a shared voice.

Literature

  • Writers often use characters who act on behalf of others to explore themes of loyalty and betrayal.
  • In many classic novels, protagonists frequently undertake tasks on behalf of family or friends, which drives the plot forward.
  • The practice of narrating a story on behalf of a character allows authors to depict multiple perspectives, enriching the narrative.

Translations

Translations of the word "behalf" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น em nome de

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เฅ€ เค“เคฐ เคธเฅ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช im Namen von

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ atas nama

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะด ั–ะผะตะฝั–

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ w imieniu

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใฎๅใซใŠใ„ใฆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท au nom de

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ en nombre de

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท adฤฑna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์˜ ์ด๋ฆ„์œผ๋กœ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุงู„ู†ูŠุงุจุฉ ุนู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ jmรฉnem

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ v mene

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไปฃ่กจ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ v imenu

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ รญ nafni

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐั‚ั‹ะฝะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒฎแƒ”แƒšแƒ˜แƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ adฤฑndan

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ en nombre de

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,799, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.