Of roles and generosity: unpacking "benefactor" vs. "giver"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 03/10/2024, 03:25

English.me team member

Benefactor and giver. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both refer to someone who provides something to others.

What is different?

A "benefactor" typically provides significant help, often financial or philanthropic, with a formal or altruistic connotation, while "giver" is more general and informal, referring to anyone who gives something.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Benefactor

The university received a large donation from an anonymous benefactor.
She became a benefactor of the arts, supporting numerous local artists.

Giver

He was a generous giver, always ready to help those in need.
As a gift giver, she was thoughtful and always selected the perfect present.