philanthropy
fih-LAN-thruh-pee
/fɪˈlænθrəpi/
The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
Philanthropy usually refers to large-scale, strategic giving aimed at long-term social change, rather than simple 'charity' which addresses immediate needs.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Greek 'philanthropia', meaning 'love of mankind.' It was famously used in Aeschylus's 'Prometheus Bound' to describe Prometheus's 'philanthropic' act of giving fire to humans, which saved them from destruction.
Word relationships
- charity: Charity often focuses on immediate relief (like food banks), while philanthropy focuses on solving the root causes of problems.
- altruism: Altruism is the selfless concern for others, which is the motivation behind philanthropy.
- misanthropy: A dislike or hatred of humankind.
- selfishness: Lack of consideration for others; concerned chiefly with one's own profit or pleasure.
Commonly confused with
- charity: Charity is 'giving a fish'; philanthropy is 'funding a school to teach fishing.'
Word family
- philanthropist (noun): A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others.
- philanthropic (adjective): Charitable, generous, and motivated by a desire to help others.
Collocations
- corporate philanthropy
- strategic philanthropy
- philanthropy foundation
- venture philanthropy
Example sentences
- "Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary." Dr. King reflects on the limitations of mere giving without addressing systemic issues. (Martin Luther King Jr.)
- "The foundation's philanthropy has been instrumental in the near-eradication of polio in several countries." The billionaire pledged half his fortune to global health initiatives.
Memory hook
Break it down: 'Phil' (like a friend/lover) + 'Anthro' (like anthropology/humans). It is being a 'friend to humans.' Love for humanity.
When not to use
Don't use for small, personal acts of kindness; use 'generosity' or 'kindness' instead.
Fun facts
- The 'Giving Pledge' is a modern philanthropic movement where the world's wealthiest individuals commit to giving away the majority of their wealth.
Related words
Explore more words
philanthropic, philanthropist, benevolent, charitable, compassion, altruism
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