What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
beneficiary
Example
She was named as the beneficiary of her late grandfather's estate. [beneficiary: noun]
Example
The scholarship program aims to support deserving students who are the beneficiaries of the fund. [beneficiaries: plural noun]
recipient
Example
She was thrilled to be the recipient of the prestigious award. [recipient: noun]
Example
The email was addressed to all recipients of the company newsletter. [recipients: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recipient is more commonly used than beneficiary in everyday language. Recipient is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while beneficiary is more specific and often used in legal or formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between beneficiary and recipient?
While beneficiary is typically associated with legal or formal contexts, recipient can be used in both formal and informal situations.