philanthropy

[ fi-lan-thruh-pee ]

See 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.

Origin of philanthropy

First recorded in 1600–10; earlier philanthropia, from Late Latin, from Greek philanthrōpía “benevolence, humane feeling”; see phil-, anthropo-, -y³

Words Nearby philanthropy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use philanthropy in a sentence

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 | THE 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 | THE DAILY BEAST
Patreon was founded in San Francisco as a means of making arts philanthropy more accessible.
Only in the Age of Crowdfunding: $40K Potato Salad | April Siese | July 10, 2014 | THE 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 | THE 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 | THE DAILY BEAST

I have never known a trader in philanthropy who was not wrong in his head or heart somewhere or other.
Pearls of Thought | Maturin M. Ballou
It is impossible for the worshippers of a tyrannical, partial, and cruel God to practise the duties of justice and philanthropy.
Letters To Eugenia | Paul Henri Thiry Holbach
This was done partly out of philanthropy, partly because nothing is so efficient as dosing to take away prejudice!
The Cradle of Mankind | W.A. Wigram
It will be one of the fine ladies who are interested in philanthropy and politics.
Mary Gray | Katharine Tynan
Sensibility was a cultivated virtue, and philanthropy a pastime.
Mary Wollstonecraft | Elizabeth Robins Pennell

British Dictionary definitions for philanthropy

philanthropy

/ (fɪˈlænθrəpɪ) /

nounplural -pies

the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions
love of mankind in general

Origin of philanthropy

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

Derived forms of philanthropy

philanthropist or philanthrope (ˈfɪlənˌθrəʊp), noun

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

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