Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Definition of philanthropy - 4 dictionary results

phi⋅lan⋅thro⋅py

[fi-lan-thruh-pee]
–noun, plural -pies.
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. a philanthropic organization.

Origin:
1600–10; earlier philanthropia < LL < Gk philanthrōpía love for mankind. See phil-, anthropo-, -y 3
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To philanthropy
phi·lan·thro·py   (fĭ-lān'thrə-pē)   
n.   pl. phi·lan·thro·pies
  1. The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.

  2. Love of humankind in general.

  3. Something, such as an activity or institution, intended to promote human welfare.


[Late Latin philanthrōpia, from Greek, from philanthrōpos, humane, benevolent : phil-, philo-, philo- + anthrōpos, man, mankind.]
phi·lan'thro·pist n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Word Origin & History

philanthropy 
1608, from L.L. philanthropia, from Gk. philanthropia "humanity, benevolence," from philanthropos (adj.) "loving mankind," from phil- "loving" + anthropos "mankind." Originally in L.L. form; modern spelling attested from 1623. Philanthropist is first recorded 1730.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Financial Dictionary

Philanthropy

1. An activity performed with the goal of promoting the well-being of fellow man.

2. To dispense or receive aid in the form of a gift from funds intentioned for humanitarian purposes.

Investopedia Commentary

Renowned investor George Soros is well known for his generous contributions to the Open Society Institute, a foundation that strives to promote humanitarian activities. His generous donations to improve the human condition is an excellent example of philanthropy.

Related Links

Skipping-Out on Probate Costs

See also: Donation, Gift, Invisible Hand

Investopedia.com. Copyright © 1999-2005 - All rights reserved. Owned and Operated by Investopedia Inc.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see philanthropy on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us: