French word

bienfaiteur

Pronunciation

IPA/bjɛ̃fɛtœʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounbenefactor

Example

Il est mon bienfaiteur.

He is my benefactor.

Illustration for bienfaiteur (benefactor)

More examples

L'association a fait appel à un bienfaiteur pour financer le projet.

The association appealed to a benefactor to fund the project.

Core concept

A helper who places a practical gift or timely act of support in another person's hands without seeking payment.

Common phrases

  • faire appel à un bienfaiteur

    appeal to a benefactor

  • être reconnaissant envers son bienfaiteur

    be grateful to one's benefactor

Similar words

donateur: A person who gives money or gifts to an individual or organization.
soutien: A person who provides help and encouragement during difficult times.
sauveur: A person who rescues others from immediate danger or disaster.
mécène: A person who funds or supports artistic and cultural activities.

Definition in French

Personne qui aide quelqu'un par un acte ou un don, sans attendre de contrepartie.

Word origin

French bienfaiteur comes from Latin benefactor, meaning a person who does good, reshaped with French bien and the element related to faire.

Usage tips

  • Bienfaiteur is more formal than everyday donateur and often highlights a personal debt of gratitude rather than only a donation.

Other meanings

  • donornoun
  • patronnoun
  • philanthropistnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • bienfaisantcharitableadjective

Word lists with this word