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noun Uncommon

benefactor

BEH-nuh-fak-tuh

Benefactor (noun) means a person who gives money or other help, often to a cause, charity, or institution. Example: “An anonymous benefactor funded the new school library.”

noun
1
A person who gives money or other help, often to a cause, charity, or institution.
"An anonymous benefactor funded the new school library."
"The museum thanked its benefactors at the opening gala."

How to use benefactor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who generously gives money or support to help a person or cause.

Common mistake

Don't mix up with beneficiary — the benefactor gives the help, the beneficiary receives it.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
generous benefactor anonymous benefactor a benefactor of the arts

Word forms

benefactors plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

An anonymous _____ funded the new school library.

Etymology

From Latin benefactor, "one who does good," built from bene ("well") and facere ("to do").

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for benefactor

See all rhymes for benefactor →

Frequently asked questions

What does “benefactor” mean?

The word “benefactor” means a person who gives money or other help, often to a cause, charity, or institution. In plain terms, someone who generously gives money or support to help a person or cause.

How do you pronounce “benefactor”?

“Benefactor” is pronounced BEH-nuh-fak-tuh (/ˈbɛnəˌfæktɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “benefactor” in a sentence?

Here is “benefactor” used in a sentence: “An anonymous benefactor funded the new school library.”

What part of speech is “benefactor”?

“Benefactor” is a noun.

Where does the word “benefactor” come from?

The word “benefactor” comes from Latin. From Latin benefactor, "one who does good," built from bene ("well") and facere ("to do").

Is “benefactor” a common word?

“Benefactor” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial