Other forms: benefactors
A benefactor is somebody who gives money or help. An anonymous benefactor, a great benefactor, thank the benefactor.
It is the formal word used on plaques and in annual reports, where donor is plainer and patron implies an ongoing relationship. An anonymous benefactor is a standing phrase, since giving without being named is the older ideal.
1nounbenefactorSomebody who gives money or help.
“A wealthy benefactor paid for the new library at the village school.”
benefactor is a giver.
Latin benefactor comes from bene, well, plus facere, to do — one who does good.
Latin
benefaciō — benefit someone
Medieval Latin
benefactor — he who bestows a favor
Middle English
benefactor
English, today
benefactor
Built from
From Middle English benefactor, borrowed from Medieval Latin benefactor (“he who bestows a favor”), from Latin benefaciō (“benefit someone”), from bene (“good”) + faciō (“do, make”).
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA