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philanthropic Definition

phil·an·thropic (fil′ən t̸hräp′ik)

adjective

of, showing, or constituting philanthropy; charitable; benevolent; humane

Etymology: Fr philanthropique

philanthropic Related Forms

phil′·an·throp′i·cally adverb

philanthropic Synonyms

philanthropic

modif.

charitable, humanitarian, altruistic, benevolent, public-spirited, liberal, bountiful, magnanimous, generous, munificent, beneficent, helpful, humane, kindly, kindhearted, unselfish, giving, civic-minded, openhanded, eleemosynary, nonprofit, patriotic; see also generous 1, humane 1, kind.

Antonyms misanthropic, hardhearted, selfish.

philanthropic implies interest in the general human welfare, esp. as shown in large-scale gifts to charities or the endowment of institutions for human advancement; humanitarian implies more direct concern with promoting the welfare of humanity, esp. through reducing pain and suffering; charitable usually implies the giving of money or other help to those in need; altruistic implies a putting of the welfare of others before one's own interests and therefore stresses freedom from selfishness

philanthropic Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • giving: They proactively fund programs and projects that value voluntary service, philanthropic giving, scholarship, and research.
  • endeavor: In parallel his major energies were devoted to Christian welfare and philanthropic endeavor.
  • foundation: For nearly half a century there have been vigorous political attempts to rein in the spread of philanthropic foundations.
  • donation: Most philanthropic donations are received by the Development Trust rather than by the University.
  • organization: The Pew outfit, by the way, shows just how valuable philanthropic organizations can be.
  • enterprise: The Dictionary is a prize example of Victorian philanthropic enterprise.

Modifying Another Word

  • purely: For large public companies it is impossible to be purely philanthropic.
  • largely: CR activities have also been largely philanthropic and associated particularly with community investment.
  • not: Sadly, financial service providers are not philanthropic organizations.
  • mainly: Rotary's objectives are mainly philanthropic social and international, each club having an overseas contact club.