philanthropy

[ fi-lan-thruh-pee ]

/ fɪˈlæn θrə pi /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR philanthropy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural phi·lan·thro·pies.

altruistic concern for human welfare and advancement, usually manifested by donations of money, property, or work to needy persons, by endowment of institutions of learning and hospitals, and by generosity to other socially useful purposes.

the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way: to devote one's later years to philanthropy.

a particular act, form, or instance of this activity: The art museum was their favorite philanthropy.

an organization devoted to helping needy persons or to other socially useful purposes.

Nearby words

philae, philander, philanthropic, philanthropist, philanthropize, philanthropy, philately, philby, philem., philemon, philharmonic

Origin of philanthropy

1600–10; earlier philanthropia < Late Latin < Greek philanthrōpía love for mankind. See phil-, anthropo-, -y³

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for philanthropy

This huge transfer, the researchers believe, will usher in what they call “a golden age of philanthropy.”
Trustafarians Want to Tell You How to Live|Joel Kotkin|October 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Having worked in philanthropy myself, I can say that these figures are astounding.
The $1-Billion-a-Year Right-Wing Conspiracy You Haven’t Heard Of|Jay Michaelson|September 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Although he has been involved in philanthropy and civic affairs, McCormick has never run for office before.
Candidates in Maine, Nebraska, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., Challenge Republicans and Democrats Alike|Linda Killian|July 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Ronaldo also does more than the perfunctory share of philanthropy that we expect from our athletic superstars.
Why It’s Still OK to Hate Sexy Bastard Cristiano Ronaldo After He Saved Team USA|Emily Shire|June 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But it only looks like philanthropy: what Tesla really wants is for other car companies to be more like them.
Tesla’s Radical Patent Move is a Plot to Take Over the Road|Daniel Gross|June 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The monks kept alive that sweet spirit of philanthropy which is so essential to all the higher forms of civilization.
A Short History of Monks and Monasteries|Alfred Wesley Wishart
If there is nothing more than acquirement, smartness, and the affectation of philanthropy, Chorley is a fine creature.
Charlotte Bronte and Her Circle|Clement K. Shorter
I have concluded negotiations with a London firm of spirit and capital and extended views of philanthropy.
The Caxtons, Complete|Edward Bulwer-Lytton
This noble monument of philanthropy has been the means of much good to the class for whom it was intended.
The History of Louisville, from the Earliest Settlement till the Year 1852|Ben Casseday
It is giving excitement to a philanthropy which creates out of misfortune new bonds of union between man and man.
Slavery|William E. Channing

British Dictionary definitions for philanthropy

philanthropy

/ (fɪˈlænθrəpɪ) /

noun plural -pies

the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions

love of mankind in general

Derived Forms

philanthropist or philanthrope (ˈfɪlənˌθrəʊp), noun

Word Origin for philanthropy

C17: from Late Latin philanthrōpia, from Greek: love of mankind, from philos loving + anthrōpos man

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

philanthropy

noun, plural phi·lan·thro·pies.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of philanthropy

Examples from the Web for philanthropy

British Dictionary definitions for philanthropy

philanthropy

noun plural -pies

Derived Forms

Word Origin for philanthropy