"Cui bono" is a Latin phrase that translates to "to whose benefit?" in English. The spelling of the word is "kwi ˈboʊnoʊ" in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "kwi" with the "w" being a silent letter. The second syllable is pronounced as "boh-noh" with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the phrase has remained unchanged over time and is commonly used to describe the motive behind an action or event.
"Cui bono" is a Latin phrase that translates to "who benefits" in English. It is a rhetorical question that seeks to uncover the motive or purpose behind a certain action, event, or decision. This phrase is often used in legal and investigative contexts to suggest that those who stand to gain the most from a particular situation may have played a role in causing it.
The concept of "cui bono" is based on the assumption that individuals are driven by self-interest and that people are more likely to engage in actions that benefit them in some way. By asking "cui bono," one aims to identify the potential beneficiaries and actors involved in a situation, thereby drawing attention to their potential motives or potential bias.
This questioning approach is particularly useful in situations where there might be hidden or conflicting interests at play. It can be applied to various domains, such as criminal investigations, political analyses, or even everyday problem-solving. By questioning who stands to gain from a specific outcome, one can often uncover alternative explanations, hidden agendas, or conflicts of interest that may influence the situation at hand.
Overall, "cui bono" serves as a tool for critical thinking and analysis, shedding light on the potential beneficiaries and motivations behind a particular event, action, or decision.
A common expression denoting, to what end; for whose benefit.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The phrase "cui bono" is Latin in origin and literally translates to "for whose benefit?" or "to whose advantage?"
It comes from a longer Latin phrase, "cui bono est?", meaning "to whom is it a benefit?" This expression is commonly attributed to the Roman orator and lawyer Cicero, who used it in his legal speeches, discussions, and philosophical works.
The phrase "cui bono" is often used to question the motivations behind a certain action or event, implying that one should consider who stands to gain from it. It has been widely adopted in legal, forensic, and investigative contexts, where it encourages individuals to critically analyze who might have had a vested interest in a particular outcome or act.