Benefactor
/ˈbɛnɪˌfæktər/
nounB2
Definition
A benefactor is someone who helps others by giving money, gifts, or support, often to charities, schools, or people in need. This help is usually kind and does not expect anything back. Benefactors are important because they make it possible for others to do good work or live better lives.
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⚡ See It in Action
A person who gives money or help to support people or projects
- •The university thanked its benefactor for the large donation.
- •Many museums rely on benefactors to fund their exhibitions.
- •The charity received support from a generous benefactor.
Someone who provides help or support in a kind way (less common)
- •She was a benefactor to many local artists, offering both money and advice.
- •The benefactor helped the community rebuild after the flood.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "benefactor" like "helper" (A1 word), but the helper gives money or important gifts to support others
- ✓Picture a person giving a big gift or a check to a school or hospital to help them grow and improve
- ✓It's the feeling when someone does something kind and important for you without asking for anything in return
- ✓Sounds like "BEN-uh-fak-ter" → imagine a "BENefit" maker, someone who makes good things happen by giving
- ✓Think of stories where a rich person helps a poor village or a school by donating money quietly and kindly
- ✓NOT like "friend" (someone close to you), a benefactor might be a stranger who helps from far away
- ✓NOT like "worker" (someone who works for money), a benefactor gives without expecting work or service back
- ✓NOT like "donor" (someone who gives), but benefactor often means a bigger or more important gift or support
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Donor: someone who gives money or gifts, often for charity (Use when focusing on giving money or items, but "benefactor" suggests more importance or ongoing support)
- •Patron: a person who supports artists, organizations, or causes, often with money (Use when the support is for art, culture, or creative projects)
- •Supporter: someone who helps or supports a person or cause (Use when the help is not only money but also encouragement or other kinds of help)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Prefix: "bene-" means good or well
- •Root: "fact" comes from Latin "facere," meaning to do or make
- •Suffix: "-or" means a person who does something
- •Etymology: From Latin "benefactor," meaning a person who does good or helps
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to mean someone who gives help or money to others
- •Modern usage: Used especially for people who give money or gifts to help organizations, schools, or people in need
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What are some ways a benefactor can help besides giving money?
•How does having a benefactor change the life of a person or organization?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.A benefactor usually gives ___ like money or gifts to help others ___.
2.The school was able to build a new library because a benefactor donated a large ___.
3.Unlike a friend who helps with small tasks, a benefactor provides ___ support that can change things.
4.When an artist receives help from a benefactor, it often means they get ___ to continue their work.
5.People often feel grateful when a benefactor offers ___ without expecting anything in return.
6.A benefactor might support a project for many years, showing ___ commitment.
7.The word benefactor sounds like "benefit" and "actor," meaning someone who ___ good actions for others.