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.
"The orphanage was supported by a generous benefactor."
"An anonymous benefactor funded the new school library."
"The museum thanked its benefactors at the opening gala."
How to use benefactor
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- benefactors
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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.
