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Added 8 October 2026

behalf

/bɪˈhæf/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about behalf at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

As the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as `on behalf of' rather than `in behalf of').
the guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child
For someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive).
in your behalf

Origin

From Middle English bihalve (“nearby”), from Old English bī healfe (“by [his/her] side”), from bī (“by”) + healfe (“side, half”), equivalent to be- + half.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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