philanthropist
Meaning: A person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially through the generous donation of money to good causes.
Philanthropist describes an individual who uses personal wealth and resources to benefit society, typically through charitable donations, endowments, and the establishment of foundations. The word implies both financial generosity and a genuine concern for human welfare, distinguishing it from mere charity. In modern usage, philanthropists are often wealthy individuals who fund hospitals, universities, research, and social programmes. The concept has evolved from Victorian-era benevolence to today's 'effective altruism' movement. Common collocations include 'noted philanthropist,' 'wealthy philanthropist,' and 'philanthropist and businessman.'
Examples
- The philanthropist donated thirty million pounds to fund scholarships for disadvantaged students. 这位慈善家捐赠了三千万英镑,为贫困学生设立奖学金。El filántropo donó treinta millones de libras para financiar becas destinadas a estudiantes desfavorecidos.その慈善家は恵まれない学生のための奨学金として3千万ポンドを寄付した。그 자선가는 형편이 어려운 학생들을 위한 장학금으로 3천만 파운드를 기부했다.
- As a philanthropist, she focused her efforts on improving access to clean water in developing nations. 作为慈善家,她将精力集中在改善发展中国家的清洁水源上。Como filántropa, centró sus esfuerzos en mejorar el acceso al agua potable en los países en desarrollo.慈善家として、彼女は発展途上国における清潔な水へのアクセス改善に力を注いだ。자선가로서 그녀는 개발도상국의 깨끗한 물 접근성 개선에 힘을 쏟았다.
- The gallery owes its existence to a Victorian philanthropist who believed art should be available to all. 这座美术馆的建立归功于一位维多利亚时代的慈善家,他坚信艺术应该面向所有人开放。La galería debe su existencia a un filántropo victoriano que creía que el arte debía estar al alcance de todos.この美術館は、芸術はすべての人に開かれるべきだと信じたヴィクトリア朝時代の慈善家のおかげで存在している。이 미술관은 예술이 모든 사람에게 열려야 한다고 믿었던 빅토리아 시대의 한 자선가 덕분에 존재하고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, general, professional
Tone: positive
Origin & History
From late Latin philanthropus, from Greek philanthropos (loving mankind), from philein (to love) and anthropos (human being). The word entered English in the early 17th century, with 'philanthropist' as a personal noun emerging in the 18th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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