Profit

Definition

The term "profit" describes the financial gain obtained when revenue exceeds expenses, or an advantage or benefit gained from an activity.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɑː.fɪt/
• Respelling: PRAH-fit

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɒ.fɪt/
• Respelling: PRO-fit

Etymology

The word "profit" originates from the Latin "proficere," meaning "to advance or benefit," via Old French "profit," which referred to benefit, income, or advantage. It entered Middle English with financial and general positive connotations.

Derivatives

• Profitable (adjective)
• Profitability (noun)
• Profiteer (noun, verb)
• Profitless (adjective)
• Profiting (verb)

Synonyms

• Gain
• Earnings
• Benefit

Antonyms

• Loss
• Deficit
• Debt

Usage

The term "profit" is widely used in business, finance, and personal contexts. For example, "The company reported a significant profit this quarter" or "He profited from his years of experience in the field."

Related Terms

• Revenue: Income generated from goods or services.
• Margin: The difference between cost and selling price.
• Investment: The act of allocating resources for potential gain.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Financial gain: Refers to the surplus remaining after expenses are deducted from revenue.
  • Example: "The company’s annual profit increased by 20%."
• Advantage or benefit: Refers to a gain or improvement derived from an activity or situation.
  • Example: "She gained great profit from her education."

Verb

• To gain financially: Refers to earning a surplus or monetary benefit.
  • Example: "The investors profited from the booming stock market."
• To benefit or advance: Refers to gaining advantage or improvement from a situation.
  • Example: "She profited greatly from the mentorship program."