Benefactor – Definition & Meaning

A benefactor is someone who provides financial or other types of assistance to another person or organization. This term is often used to describe individuals or groups who donate money to charities or other causes, but it can also refer to anyone who helps others in any way.

Definitions

A benefactor is defined as a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause. This help can come in many forms, including financial donations, volunteer work, or other types of support.

Origin

The word benefactor comes from the Latin words “bene” meaning good and “factor” meaning maker or doer. The term was first used in the 15th century and has been used ever since to describe people who do good deeds for others.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a benefactor is “a person who gives money or other help to a person or cause”. Merriam-Webster defines a benefactor as “one who makes a gift or bequest”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “someone who gives money or help to a person or organization”.

Associations

The term benefactor is often associated with philanthropy, charity, and generosity. It is also associated with people who have wealth and use it to help others.

Synonyms

Synonyms for benefactor include donor, patron, supporter, backer, contributor, and helper.

Antonyms

Antonyms for benefactor include adversary, antagonist, enemy, and opponent.

The same root words

Words with the same root as benefactor include beneficent, beneficial, and benevolent. These words all have a positive connotation and are used to describe people who do good things for others.

Example Sentences

1. The wealthy businessman was a generous benefactor to many charities.
2. The local community center was able to stay open thanks to the support of its benefactors.
3. She was grateful for the help of her benefactor, who paid for her college education.
4. The museum was able to acquire a valuable piece of art thanks to a generous benefactor.
5. The school’s new library was built with the help of a generous benefactor.