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

Beloved actors Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen became the first couple to jointly accept a prestigious award from the Television Academy honoring philanthropy at Sunday’s Emmy Awards.

From Los Angeles Times

He had been the chancellor of the university since 1999 and held 15 honorary degrees in recognition of his contributions to business, the economy and philanthropy.

From BBC

The Resnicks are big donors to state politicians and charities, but their philanthropy has been the target of recent union organizing efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s philanthropy, YouTube‑style — equal parts cause and content.

From Salon

The breadth of Annenberg’s philanthropy was global; but it was most keenly focused on Los Angeles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• charity 
• generosity