# philanthropic

/ˌfɪɫənˈθɹɑpɪk/ (US) · /fɪlɐnθɹˈɒpɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/philanthropic
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

giving money, time, or help to people who need it. You use this to describe someone who wants to make the world better through kindness.

For teachers: characterised by the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed by the generous donation of money or resources to good causes.

## Examples

- The billionaire is known for his philanthropic work in education.
- Many large corporations establish philanthropic foundations to manage their charitable giving and community outreach programs.
- The university's new research wing was made possible through a philanthropic gift from an anonymous donor who wished to support advancements in renewable energy.

## Usage notes

- Often used to describe individuals, organisations, or specific acts of giving.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.