What is the difference between a philanthropist and a miser?

Answer 1

A miser (Latin: miser, unhappy, wretched) is a person who is very (often pathologically) reluctant to spend money. Generally a miser will forgo even the most basic of comforts, perhaps even the necessities of life.

A philanthropist (Ancient Greek: phil-, love of + -anthropos, humanity) is a person who loves humanity, and hence takes some initiative for the public good. Philanthropists nowadays often do this by donating money to charity, and this is in stark contrast to what a miser would do with money.

Answer 2

A philanthropist is someone who donates money or resources to help others and support charitable causes, while a miser is someone who hoards money and is very reluctant to spend it, even for necessities or to help others. The key distinction is in their attitudes towards money and generosity.