philanthropy
noun
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The Greek root of philanthropy may be literally translated as "loving people." The English word can refer to general goodwill to one's fellow people, as well as to the active effort to promote the welfare of people, but in modern use it is most often used to refer specifically to the practice of giving money and time to help make life better for others. A person who practices philanthropy is called a philanthropist; the term philanthrope was formerly used with the same meaning, but it is now considered archaic.
Synonyms
Examples of philanthropy in a Sentence
Bill Gates, Time, 11 Aug. 2008
Cooper, born in New York City in 1791, was himself an inventor and a hands-on industrialist, whose fortune got its start in the glue business, greatly expanded in the iron industry, eventually included more than half the telegraph lines in the United States, and was significantly invested in philanthropy and the cause of public education.
—John Updike, New York Review of Books, 10 Aug. 2006
In conditions of anarchy, a crude and violent order, based upon brute force and psychopathic ruthlessness, soon establishes itself, which regards philanthropy not as a friend but as an enemy and a threat.
—Theodore Dalrymple, National Review, 26 Sept. 2005
The family's philanthropy made it possible to build the public library.
among the industrialist's philanthropies was a college scholarship fund for deserving students from the inner city
Phoebe Liu, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Fans appreciated Game’s philanthropy and saluted his generosity in the comment section for being one of the only celebrities to show up on the front lines.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
Others have praised the couple for their philanthropy.
—Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral is Thursday at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Carter, who died Sunday at the age of 100, was known for his views on human rights and philanthropy and for his avid support of music.
—Troy Smith, Axios, 9 Jan. 2025
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Dictionary Entries Near philanthropy
Cite this Entry
“Philanthropy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philanthropy. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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philanthropy
noun
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