Profit
/ˈprɒfɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe financial gain received from a business activity after deducting all costs.
/ˈprɒfɪt/
Financial gain or advantage.
The store made a large profit from the sale.
💡 Simply: Imagine you sell lemonade. If you sell it for more than it cost you to make, the extra money you have is your profit. It's like winning money!
👶 For kids: Money you have left over after you sell something and pay for what it cost to make it.
More Examples
Investors are attracted to companies that demonstrate strong profits.
The profit margin was quite impressive, reflecting efficient operations.
She donated a portion of her profits to charity.
How It's Used
"The company reported a significant profit at the end of the fiscal year."
"Maximizing profit is a key goal for most businesses."
To gain a financial or other benefit; to benefit from something.
/ˈprɒfɪt/
To benefit or gain advantage from something.
The company profited greatly from the deal.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're selling cookies. To profit means you're getting a better result out of selling your cookies. So, you have more money than before.
👶 For kids: To get something good from something.
More Examples
She hopes to profit by investing in the stock market.
The school profited from the fundraising event.
The country will profit if they invest their money wisely.
How It's Used
"She hoped to profit from her investment in the new venture."
"Companies try to profit from market opportunities."
Idioms & expressions
at a profit
Sold or done for more money than it cost.
"She sold the painting at a profit."
profit margin
The difference between a product's or service's selling price and the cost of production or acquisition.
"The company reported a healthy profit margin this quarter."
From Old French *profiter* ('to benefit'), from Latin *profectus* ('progress, advance'), past participle of *profiсere* ('to advance, make progress'), from *pro-* ('forward') + *facere* ('to do, make').
Historically, the word 'profit' has been used in financial contexts to denote gain, benefit, or advantage, tracing back to its Latin roots in commerce and trade.
Memory tip
Think of the extra money you have *after* you've paid for everything. That's your profit!
Word Origin
"progress, advance"