Philanthropists: meaning, definitions and examples

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philanthropists

 

[ fɪˈlænθrəpɪsts ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

people who help others

Philanthropists are individuals who are actively involved in promoting human welfare and improving the quality of life for others. They often donate large sums of money to charitable organizations, fund social programs, and support various causes that aim to make the world a better place.

Synonyms

benefactors, donors, humanitarians.

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Word Description / Examples
philanthropists

Used to describe people who give large sums of money to charitable causes, often seeking to solve societal problems on a large scale.

  • Bill and Melinda Gates are well-known philanthropists who have invested billions in global health and education
benefactors

Refers to individuals who provide help or financial support, typically to a specific person, organization, or cause. The term is often used in formal contexts.

  • The university library was renovated thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous benefactor
humanitarians

Describes individuals who work actively to promote human welfare and social reforms. This term often emphasizes compassionate action and can include various forms of aid beyond financial contributions.

  • Humanitarians often work in conflict zones to provide food, medicine, and shelter to those in need
donors

General term for people who give resources such as money, blood, or organs. This word can be used in both formal and informal contexts and does not necessarily imply large sums.

  • Blood donors are essential for maintaining the nation's blood supply

Examples of usage

  • Many philanthropists focus on education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and environmental conservation.
  • Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are renowned philanthropists who have pledged to give away a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes.

Translations

Translations of the word "philanthropists" in other languages:

🇵🇹 filantropos

🇮🇳 परमार्थी

🇩🇪 Philanthropen

🇮🇩 dermawan

🇺🇦 філантропи

🇵🇱 filantropi

🇯🇵 慈善家 (じぜんか)

🇫🇷 philanthropes

🇪🇸 filántropos

🇹🇷 hayırseverler

🇰🇷 자선가 (慈善家)

🇸🇦 محسنون

🇨🇿 filantropové

🇸🇰 filantropi

🇨🇳 慈善家 (císhànjiā)

🇸🇮 filantropi

🇮🇸 góðgerðarfræðingar

🇰🇿 қайырымдылық жасаушылар

🇬🇪 ფილანტროპები

🇦🇿 xeyriyyəçilər

🇲🇽 filántropos

Etymology

The term 'philanthropist' originated from the Greek words 'philos', meaning 'loving', and 'anthropos', meaning 'human being'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, referring to someone who seeks to promote the welfare of others through donations or charitable acts. Over the centuries, philanthropists have played a significant role in supporting various social causes and addressing humanitarian issues.

See also: philanthropic, philanthropist.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,156, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.