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
Sally C. Pipes, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024
In September this year, Forbes gave Bernie and Billi Marcus the lifetime achievement award for their generous philanthropy.
—Kerry A. Dolan, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
Marcus retired from the company in 2002 and has since remained active in philanthropy.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
His contributions to the arts and philanthropy continue to resonate, underscoring the indelible mark left by an extraordinary man whose story will remain a testament to resilience and innovation.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for philanthropy 
Dictionary Entries Near philanthropy
Cite this Entry
“Philanthropy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/philanthropy. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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philanthropy
noun
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