philanthropic

What does “philanthropic” mean?

adjective.(of a person or organization) seeking to promote the welfare of others, especially by donating money to good causes; generous and benevolent.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages related to social issues, charitable actions, or discussions of wealth and responsibility. It emphasizes a proactive commitment to improving society and helping others, distinguishing itself from similar terms like "charitable," which may imply a more passive or occasional act of giving.

Common Confusions

Philanthropic implies a proactive and sustained commitment to improving society through generous actions, while charitable usually suggests a more passive or occasional act of giving without the same emphasis on long-term engagement.

Example Sentences

• The billionaire was known for his philanthropic donations.

Word Parts: How to Remember “philanthropic”

Break “philanthropic” into its parts: phil- (loving). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: phil- loving (Greek)