philanthropist

Etymology

It is formed from English philanthropy + -ist.^[1][2][3][4] Philanthropy is from Late Latin philanthrōpia,^[2][5] from Ancient Greek φιλανθρωπία (philanthrōpía, “love of humankind, benevolence”),^[5][1] from φιλάνθρωπος (philánthrōpos, “loving humankind”),^[5][2] a compound of the elements seen in philo- and anthropo-.^[2] The OED compares the earlier misanthropist and the slightly later philanthrope.^[1]

Earliest recorded meaning

A benefactor of humankind, one who acts kindly towards others: 1730, in Bailey's Dictionarium Britannicum.^[1][3] Etymonline dates it to 1731, Dictionary.com to 1720–30.^[2][4]

Semantic evolution

The word took its sense from philanthropy, love of humankind shown in practical good works.^[2][1] Etymonline describes the philanthropist as one who works actively for the good of others,^[2] and the word is now used especially of people who give money to good causes.^[3][1]

Timeline

• 1730 – a benefactor of humankind; one who practises philanthropy.^[1][3]

Meanings

Noun

1. A person who works to improve the welfare of others, especially by giving large sums to charities and good causes: A local philanthropist paid for the new library.^[3][1]
2. A person who loves humankind in general; a humanitarian or altruist.^[3][1]

Word family

• philanthropistic

Related words

• philanthropy
• philanthropic
• philanthrope
• misanthropist
• misanthrope
• anthropology

References

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Oxford English Dictionary Online (accessed March 2026), Oxford: Oxford University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f g Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
3. ^ a b c d e f Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
4. ^ a b Dictionary.com Unabridged (2016), based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, New York: Random House
5. ^ a b c Klein, Ernest. A Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the English Language. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1966–1967.