Definition

Noun: 1. For someone's benefit or interest: Used to indicate that something is done for the advantage or support of a person or group. This is often expressed with the preposition "in" (e.g., in behalf of), though this usage is less common in modern English. 2. As the representative or agent of someone: Used to indicate that something is done by one person or group representing another. This is most commonly expressed with the preposition "on" (e.g., on behalf of).

Examples

• For someone's benefit:
  • She campaigned tirelessly in behalf of the new policy. (She campaigned for the benefit of the new policy.)
  • He spoke in my behalf during the meeting. (He spoke to support my interests during the meeting.)
• As a representative:
  • I am writing to you on behalf of the entire committee. (I am writing as the representative of the entire committee.)
  • The lawyer signed the documents on behalf of her client. (The lawyer signed as the agent for her client.)

Advanced Usage

• "In behalf of" vs. "On behalf of": While sometimes used interchangeably in the past, a traditional distinction exists.
  • "In behalf of" typically means "for the benefit of" someone.

    • We raised funds in behalf of the victims. (We raised funds for the benefit of the victims.)
  • "On behalf of" is the standard, modern phrase meaning "as the representative of" or "for" someone.

    • I accept this award on behalf of my team. (I accept this award as the representative of my team.)
• "On someone's behalf": A common possessive construction.
  • My colleague will attend the conference on my behalf. (My colleague will attend as my representative.)

Variants and Related Words

• Behalf is only used as a noun. There are no direct verb or adjective forms. It is almost exclusively used in prepositional phrases.

Synonyms

• For (the benefit of):
• In the interest of:
• Representing:
• In the name of:

Related Phrases

• On my/your/his/her/our/their behalf: The standard phrase to indicate representation.
  • She couldn't be here, so I'm speaking on her behalf.
• In someone's behalf: An older or less common phrasing to indicate acting for someone's benefit.
  • He argued in the defendant's behalf. (He argued for the defendant's benefit.)

Idioms

• To do something on one's own behalf: To act for one's own benefit or as one's own representative.
  • He decided to negotiate the contract on his own behalf.

Noun

1. for someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive)
   • in your behalf
   • campaigning in his own behalf
   • spoke a good word in his friend's behalf
2. 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
   • this letter is written on behalf of my client