behalf definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

[14th century. Blend of on his half + by half him, both meaning "on his side"]

on behalf of or on somebody's behalf

1. as somebody's representative

We chose James to speak on our behalf.

2. for somebody's benefit or support, or in somebody's best interests

I thanked everyone on Jane's behalf.

Word Usage


	on somebody's behalf or in somebody's behalf? A distinction frequently overlooked between on behalf of and in behalf of is that on behalf of is preferred in the meaning "as somebody's representative," and in behalf of in the meaning "in somebody's best interests": She appeared on behalf of the U.N. Secretary General at a conference held in behalf of the world's children. Also note that because a person acting on somebody's behalf is acting for another, on behalf of myself is illogical and should be avoided.