philanthropically

Meanings

1. 1adverbformal

   In a way that shows a wish to help people, especially by giving money to good causes.

   Grammar: An adverb, so it describes how an action is done: he gave philanthropically.

   Patterns

   • act philanthropically
   • give philanthropically
   • be funded philanthropically

   The family has acted philanthropically in this city for over a century.

   She gave philanthropically to hospitals and schools, usually without any public announcement.

   The library was built philanthropically rather than with public money.

2. 2adverbformal

   In a way that relates to the work of helping society through organized giving.

   Grammar: Used to talk about the field or style of giving, often before an adjective: philanthropically minded.

   Patterns

   • philanthropically minded
   • philanthropically funded

   The trust is philanthropically funded, so it does not depend on government grants.

   Several philanthropically minded business leaders paid for the new science wing.

Common combinations

act philanthropically

They act philanthropically, quietly paying school fees for local children.

philanthropically minded

A philanthropically minded donor covered the whole cost of the clinic.

philanthropically funded

The museum is philanthropically funded and charges no admission.

give philanthropically

He gave philanthropically throughout his life, mostly to medical research.

generously and philanthropically

She supported the orchestra generously and philanthropically for thirty years.

Synonyms and how they differ

charitably

Close in meaning, but it stresses giving help to those in need, while philanthropically often suggests large, organized giving aimed at improving society.

generously

Much broader and more everyday; it can describe any kind gift or act, whereas philanthropically points specifically to helping people through donations and good works.

altruistically

Focuses on putting other people's needs before your own, which need not involve money; philanthropically almost always involves giving money or funding.

Opposites

Word family

philanthropy noun

the practice of giving money and support to help people and society

philanthropic adjective

describing a person or gift that helps people through generous giving

philanthropist noun

a wealthy person who gives a lot of money to good causes

Commonly confused: philanthropically or philologically?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “philanthropically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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