cost-benefit
Meaning
relating to or involving the weighing of the costs of a course of action against the benefits expected from it
Structure
Usage
A thorough cost-benefit analysis is required before approving the new infrastructure project.
The policy was implemented after considering its cost-benefit implications for public health.
From a purely cost-benefit perspective, the investment is not justified.
Etymology
The term "cost-benefit" is a modern compound formed by directly combining two common English nouns of Latin origin. "Cost" originates from the Latin concept of standing firm at a price, while "benefit" stems from the idea of a good deed or well-done action. In economic and analytical contexts, these concrete nouns were juxtaposed to create an abstract adjectival concept. This compound encapsulates the fundamental logic of comparative analysis, where the literal "expense" is weighed against the literal "gain" to inform rational decision-making.
Analysis
- cost: From Latin constare ("to stand at, to cost"), via Old French coster. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning "the price paid or required to acquire, produce, or maintain something." - benefit: From Latin benefactum ("good deed"), from bene ("well") + factum ("deed"). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning "an advantage or profit gained from something."