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on behalf of — as the representative of someone or in the interest of someone

Part of speech: PREPOSITION

Definition: as the representative of someone or in the interest of someone

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɑːn bɪˈhæf ʌv/

Example Sentences

  • The lawyer accepted the bizarre award on behalf of his client who was too embarrassed to show up.
  • I would like to thank everyone on behalf of our team for this achievement.
  • The cat's owner apologized on behalf of Mr. Whiskers for eating the neighbor's fish.

on behalf of

PREPOSITION

[/ɑːn bɪˈhæf ʌv/]

as the representative of someone or in the interest of someone

The lawyer spoke on behalf of her silent client in the courtroom.
💡 Concept

The lawyer spoke on behalf of her silent client in the courtroom.

Speaking on behalf of clients with staff who softly laugh
🎵 Rhyme

Speaking on behalf of clients with staff who softly laugh

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɑːn bɪˈhæf ʌv/
🇬🇧 UK/ɒn bɪˈhɑːf ʌv/

🌳Etymology

Origin

This phrase emerged in Middle English, with 'behalf' derived from the compound 'by + half', originally meaning to entrust one's interests or portion to another person. The expression evolved to denote acting or speaking as a representative or proxy for someone else.

Breakdown

on (preposition, indicating position/state) + behalf (from by + half, meaning one's interests or side) + of (preposition, indicating relationship or association).

🎵Rhyme

half
staff
laugh

🔗Collocations

speak on behalf of
act on behalf of
on behalf of the company
write on behalf of
apologize on behalf of
accept on behalf of

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“The lawyer accepted the bizarre award on behalf of his client who was too embarrassed to show up.”

“I would like to thank everyone on behalf of our team for this achievement.”

😄 Fun example

“The cat's owner apologized on behalf of Mr. Whiskers for eating the neighbor's fish.”

“The ambassador spoke on behalf of his country at the United Nations.”

📚Related Words

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