Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for December 04, 2013 is: benefic \buh-NEF-ik\ adjective : producing good or helpful results or effects : beneficial Examples: Coach Reed is a strong proponent of the view that participation in sports has a benefic influence on young people. "The benefic properties of potassium hydrate have made it a commonly found element in many natural remedies." From a press release from SBWire, July 15, 2013 Did you know? "Benefic" comes from Latin "beneficus," which in turn comes from "bene" ("well") and "facere" ("to do"). The word was originally used by astrologers to refer to celestial bodies believed to have a favorable influence, and it's still used in astrological contexts. "Benefic," "beneficent," and "beneficial" are all synonyms, but there are shades of difference. "Beneficial" usually applies to things that promote well-being (as in "beneficial treatment"), or that provide some benefit or advantage (as in "beneficial classes"). "Beneficent" means doing or effecting good (as in "a beneficent climate"), but in particular refers to the performance of acts of kindness or charity (as in "a beneficent organization")."Benefic," the rarest of the three, tends to be a bit high-flown, and it's mostly used to describe a favorable power or force.
