philanthropy

American  

[fi-lan-thruh-pee] / fɪˈlæn θrə pi /

noun

plural

philanthropies

1. 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.

2. the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way.

   to devote one's later years to philanthropy.

3. a particular act, form, or instance of this activity.

   The art museum was their favorite philanthropy.

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

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philanthropy British  

/ ˈfɪlənˌθrəʊp, fɪˈlænθrəpɪ /

noun

1. the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions

2. love of mankind in general

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Other Word Forms

• philanthropist noun

Etymology

Origin of philanthropy

First recorded in 1600–10; earlier philanthropia, from Late Latin, from Greek philanthrōpía “benevolence, humane feeling”; phil-, anthropo-, -y ³

Example Sentences

She was made a dame for services to young people and philanthropy, having spent much of her career in higher education.

From BBC

The wealthy know this and try to compensate in everything from their philanthropy to visiting grocery stores now and then to learn the price of ground chuck.

From The Wall Street Journal

While most of its donors aren’t disclosed, records show the Servant Foundation, a philanthropy linked to the evangelical family that founded Hobby Lobby, has donated tens of millions of dollars.

From The Wall Street Journal

Soboroff initially expected to receive a salary of $500,000 for three months of work as chief recovery officer, with the funds coming from philanthropy.

From Los Angeles Times

Gates has said he met Epstein a few times only to discuss philanthropy, which he regrets and calls a mistake.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• charity
• generosity