Words / C2

BOON/buːn/

A boon is something helpful; a blessing: a boon to students, a mixed boon. Benefit and windfall (already in the dictionary) are the close twins of gain and unexpected luck. Bane (this batch) is the opposite flavour — the lasting harm. Do not file a slogan as the thing that helps.

Meaning

A thing that is helpful or beneficial; a blessing.

Examples

• “A named fire warden is a boon; a slogan is not.”
• “Benefit is everyday-wider (already in B1). Windfall is unexpected gain (already in C1). Bane is the curse (this batch) — the contrast. A spare key can be a quiet boon. A motto that never names the night post is decoration. Write the rota; then the thanks.”

Good to know

A helpful blessing. Everyday: blessing / help. Close: benefit / windfall (already in this dictionary). Opposite: bane (this batch). A slogan is not cover.

Near in meaning

blessing, benefit, godsend, windfall

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