cui bono
noun
cui bo·no
ˈkwē-ˈbō-(ˌ)nō 
1
: a principle that probable responsibility for an act or event lies with one having something to gain
2
: usefulness or utility as a principle in estimating the value of an act or policy
Examples of cui bono in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of the most important questions in an investigation is about establishing motive, summed up by the Latin phrase cui bono, or Who benefits?
—
Garrett M. Graff, Wired, 9 Aug. 2022
The question to ask in a leak case is always, cui bono?
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 3 May 2022
For the many who embrace climate change as a progressive cause, watch in the coming years for who benefits, cui bono.
—William Levin, National Review, 15 Dec. 2020
The question that underlies the nocturnal ritual fantasy is cui bono?
—Talia Lavin, The New Republic, 29 Sep. 2020
Garrett M. Graff, Wired, 9 Aug. 2022
The question to ask in a leak case is always, cui bono?
—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 3 May 2022
For the many who embrace climate change as a progressive cause, watch in the coming years for who benefits, cui bono.
—William Levin, National Review, 15 Dec. 2020
The question that underlies the nocturnal ritual fantasy is cui bono?
—Talia Lavin, The New Republic, 29 Sep. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cui bono.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin, to whose advantage?
First Known Use
1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near cui bono
Cite this Entry
“Cui bono.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cui%20bono. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
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