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
Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024
Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy was celebrated on Thursday not for having one of the biggest movies of the year, but for his philanthropy alongside wife Serena.
—Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024
Just this week, Lesh and the Dead’s other founders were announced as the 2025 recipients of the Recording Academy’s prestigious MusiCares Persons of the Year award in recognition of the band’s philanthropy and cultural impact.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
The Washington Award recognizes extraordinary acts of philanthropy in support of W&L and other institutions and distinguished leadership and service to the nation.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 25 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2024.
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philanthropy
noun
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