ENGLISH
REFERENCE

philanthropy

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //fɪˈɫænθɹəpi// UK //fɪlˈænθɹəpi// phi·lan·thropy

n. the act of giving money, time, or help to people who need it. It usually involves large donations to charities or starting projects to improve society.

n. the practice of performing charitable actions or donating significant funds to promote the welfare of others. Often associated with organized efforts to solve social problems rather than simple individual acts of kindness.


SIMPLE

Her philanthropy helped build three new hospitals.

CONTEXTUAL

The billionaire dedicated the latter half of his life to philanthropy, focusing specifically on global health initiatives.

COMPLEX

While some critics view corporate philanthropy as a mere public relations strategy, others argue that these massive private investments are essential for addressing systemic poverty.

Origin

Borrowed from Late Latin philanthrōpia, itself a borrowing from Ancient Greek φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía). By surface analysis, phil- + -anthropy.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general practice; occasionally countable when referring to a specific charitable act or organization.

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