Final answer:
The word 'beneficial' means having a positive effect, based on the Latin root 'bene-' which means 'good' or 'well.'
Step-by-step explanation:
The word beneficial comes from the Latin-derived root "bene-” which means “good” or “well.” Therefore, when we describe something as beneficial, we are saying it has a having a positive effect. It is not related to cost, and it certainly doesn't mean having a negative or neutral effect. For instance, drinking water can be beneficial to your health, meaning it has positive health effects.