名词benefit、advantage及profizt在读写中属于常用词。它们的共同的词义,是“益处”,但在实际使用中的侧重或者搭配上都有较大不同,现就它们的用法进行归纳。
1.benefit的意思是“利益,好处”,它是普通用词,主要指对身体、智力、道德、精神、物质方面的好处。比如:
I've had the benefit of a good education.我得益于受过良好教育。It will be to your benefit to arrive early.早到将会对你有利。
They consider the plan to be of dubious benefit to most families.他们认为这项计划对大多数家庭不一定有好处。
Doing sports after school is benefit for our health.放学后做体育运动能使我们保持身材健康。
2.advantage的意思是“有利,优势”,它强调在比较中的有利条件和优势,但一般不指所获得的物质利益等。常见搭配为take advantage of。比如:
Men have created a social and economic position of advantage for themselves over women.男性创造了相对于女性的社会和经济上的优势地位。Being tall gave him an advantage over the other players.他个子高,比其他运动员有利。
She had the advantage of a good education.她具有受过良好教育的有利条件。As a boxer, his long reach gives him a significant advantage.作为拳击运动员,他出拳距离长是他很大的优势。
3.profit的意思是“利益,利润,好处”,正式英语,主要指所获的物质利益,尤指金钱的收益。用于抽象事物则指权力或知识的增长。 比如:
Profit from exports rose 7.3%.出口利润增长了7.3%。The bank made pre-tax profits of $6.5 million.该银行获得了税前650万美元的利润。
The company made a healthy profit on the deal.公司在这笔生意中获利颇丰。Future lawyers could study this text with profit.未来的律师研读这一文本也许会有裨益。