profit
Definitions
The financial gain left after costs are subtracted from revenue.
利润；盈利
An advantage or benefit gained from something.
好处，益处
To gain a benefit or advantage from something.
得益，获益（于）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedpro- (forward) + fit (a worn-down form of facere, to do/make) = 'to make forward, to advance.' From Latin proficere 'to make progress.' Originally any kind of advancement; in trade it narrowed to financial gain — how far ahead you are after costs. The verb still carries the old broad sense: profit from advice.
Root fac still carries 273 more wordsWhy It Means This
Profit didn't start as a money word. Latin proficere just meant 'to make progress.' The financial meaning is a specialization — money is the most measurable way to track who's getting ahead. That's why the verb 'profit from' can still mean simply 'benefit from,' with no cash in sight.
Common Collocations
- 1.make a profit盈利，赚取利润
- 2.net profit净利润
- 3.profit margin利润率
- 4.profit from从……中获益
Example Sentences
- 1.
The company made a healthy profit in its first year.
- 2.
They sold the house at a profit of forty thousand dollars.
- 3.
Students who ask questions profit most from the course.
Easily Confused
profit vs revenue — revenue is all the money that comes in; profit is what's left after costs are taken out. A company can have huge revenue and zero profit. Top line → revenue; bottom line → profit.