Select the options that can substitute the given group of words:
One who cares about and helps others selflessly.
A. Altruist
B. Philanthropist
C. Benevolent
D. Philistine
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → A, B and C only
(A) Altruist — Correct. An altruist is a person who cares about others and helps them without thinking of his or her own gain (from the Latin alter, other).
Example: A true altruist, she spent her savings on the village school.
(B) Philanthropist — Correct. A philanthropist is a person who helps others, especially by giving money or time to good causes (from the Greek philos, loving + anthropos, man).
Example: The philanthropist funded a hospital for the poor.
(C) Benevolent — Correct. Benevolent means kind and wanting to help others (from the Latin bene, well + volens, wishing). It is a describing word (a benevolent man) rather than a name for the person, but it expresses the same kind, selfless nature.
Example: The benevolent doctor treated poor patients free of charge.
(D) Philistine — Incorrect. A philistine is a person who has no interest in art, music or culture, or looks down on them; it has nothing to do with helping others.
Example: Only a philistine would call poetry a waste of time.