philanthropy

[fi-lan-thruh-pee]

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.

philanthropy

/ ˈfɪlənˌθrəʊp, fɪˈlænθrəpɪ /

noun

1. the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions

2. love of mankind in general

Other Word Forms

• philanthropist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of philanthropy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of philanthropy¹

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

Example Sentences

The Rockefeller Foundation, an American philanthropy, launched a $5.4 million investment to help support regenerative agriculture.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Summers also sought Epstein’s help for a more personal philanthropy project: an educational venture that his wife, Elisa New, was developing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He then focussed on philanthropy in Africa and Scotland along with co-ordinating support for the wider Aberdeen energy economy and city centre.

Read more on BBC

The viral post has not received a public response from Musk, but it underscores how entertainment figures are shaping conversations about inequality, philanthropy and social accountability.

Read more on Salon

The Oracle of Omaha reiterated his support for his successor Greg Abel, and said he would step up the pace of gifts to his three children’s philanthropies.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• charity 
• generosity