Choose one word for the following expression: 'A lover of mankind'

Concept

A one-word substitution question asks for the single word whose dictionary definition matches a given descriptive phrase. The governing principle is to match the phrase's core meaning to the precise root/definition of the target word, not merely a superficially related idea.

Application

The phrase 'a lover of mankind' describes someone devoted to promoting the welfare of people in general. The word Philanthropist is built from the Greek roots philos (loving) and anthropos (mankind/humanity), so it means exactly 'a lover of mankind' — someone who works for or donates to human welfare.

Cross-check / Contrast

Each distractor names a different, unrelated concept:

• Theist — one who believes in the existence of God; concerns religious belief, not love of humanity.

• Veteran — a person with long experience, especially long military service; concerns experience/service, not love of humanity.

• Omnipotent — having unlimited power, typically used of a deity; concerns power, not affection for mankind.

None of these carry the sense of 'loving mankind,' confirming Philanthropist as the only word that matches the given expression.