beneficiary

/ˌbɛnəˈfɪʃiəri/
nounIntermediate
formal

A person or entity that receives benefits, advantages, or profits from something, such as a will, trust, or insurance policy.

The charity was listed as the primary beneficiary in the donor's will.

The organization will receive the donor's assets after their death.

As the beneficiary of the life insurance policy, she received the payout after her husband's passing.

She was the designated recipient of the insurance money.

💡

In legal contexts, a beneficiary is often named in documents like wills, trusts, or insurance policies.

Collocations

primary beneficiarythe main person or entity receiving benefitsdesignated beneficiarya person or entity officially chosen to receive benefitsbeneficiary of a willa person who inherits assets according to a will

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

beneficiary clausephrase
a section in a legal document specifying who receives benefits
beneficiary designationphrase
the act of naming someone as a beneficiary

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

In legal documents, a beneficiary is often named explicitly to ensure proper distribution of assets.

Gold Rule

Clarity in Naming

When naming a beneficiary, ensure the designation is clear and legally binding to avoid disputes.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'beneficiarye,' from Latin 'beneficiarius,' meaning 'one who receives a benefit,' from 'beneficium' (benefit) + '-arius' (suffix denoting a person).

📝Usage Notes

The term is commonly used in legal and financial contexts, particularly in discussions about inheritance, insurance, and trusts.

Word Breakdown

bene-
good
prefix
+
-fic-
to do, make
root
+
-iary
pertaining to
suffix
English Dictionary