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noun C2 Proficient Uncommon

philanthropy

fih-LAN-thruh-pee

Philanthropy (noun) means the practice of donating money, time, or resources to promote the welfare of others. Example: “The company set aside a budget for philanthropy each year.”

noun
1
The practice of donating money, time, or resources to promote the welfare of others.
"The company set aside a budget for philanthropy each year."
"His philanthropy funded several new hospitals."

How to use philanthropy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGenerous giving intended to help people or improve society, and the culture of that giving generally.

Common mistake

Not the same as "philately" (stamp collecting) — an easy mix-up because of the similar "phil-" beginning.

Easily confused with
philately
Common pairings
corporate philanthropy act of philanthropy philanthropy foundation

Word forms

philanthropies plural

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The company set aside a budget for _____ each year.

Etymology

From Late Latin philanthropia, itself from Greek philanthropia, literally "love of humankind."

Origin: Late Latin

philanthropism

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for philanthropy

See all rhymes for philanthropy →

Frequently asked questions

What does “philanthropy” mean?

The word “philanthropy” means the practice of donating money, time, or resources to promote the welfare of others. In plain terms, generous giving intended to help people or improve society, and the culture of that giving generally.

How do you pronounce “philanthropy”?

“Philanthropy” is pronounced fih-LAN-thruh-pee (/fəˈlæn.θɹə.pi/ in IPA).

How do you use “philanthropy” in a sentence?

Here is “philanthropy” used in a sentence: “The company set aside a budget for philanthropy each year.”

What is another word for “philanthropy”?

Words with a similar meaning to “philanthropy” include philanthropism.

What is the opposite of “philanthropy”?

The opposite of “philanthropy” — its antonyms — is misanthropy.

What part of speech is “philanthropy”?

“Philanthropy” is a noun.

Where does the word “philanthropy” come from?

The word “philanthropy” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin philanthropia, itself from Greek philanthropia, literally "love of humankind.".

Is “philanthropy” a common word?

“Philanthropy” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

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