Benefactor
/ˈbɛnɪfæk.tər/
nounIntermediateCommonGeneral
Meaning
Question
Definitions
1
A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
/ˈbɛnɪfæk.tər/
nounpositiveIntermediate
General
A person who gives help or money to someone or something.
The local hospital received a large donation from a generous benefactor.
💡 Simply: Someone who helps others by giving money or support.
More Examples
2
She was a benefactor to many charitable organizations.
How It's Used
Philanthropy
"The museum's benefactor donated a significant sum to its expansion project."
Charity
"Anonymous benefactors have supported our organization for many years."
From Medieval Latin *benefactor, from bene "well" + facere "to do/make". The word reflects a long history of philanthropy and patronage.
The term has been used since the Middle Ages to describe those providing significant support to religious orders and charitable works.
Memory tip
Think 'bene' (well) and 'factor' (doer) - a well-doer.
Practice
Base: benefit
benifactorbenafactorbenefacter
Usage
10%Spoken
90%Written