charity

¹ American  

[char-i-tee] / ˈtʃær ɪ ti /

noun

plural

charities

1. generous actions or donations to aid people who are poor, ill, or needy.

   to devote one's life to charity.

2. something given to a person or persons in need; alms.

   She asked for work, not charity.

3. a charitable act or work.

4. a charitable fund, foundation, or institution.

   He left his estate to a charity.

5. benevolent feeling, especially toward those in need or in disfavor.

   She looked so hungry that we fed her out of charity.

   Synonyms:

   aid, philanthropy, altruism, almsgiving, quarter, mercy, indulgence, lenity, leniency, clemency, sympathy, pity, benignity, humanity, goodwill, compassion, kindness, kindliness, benevolence, donation, dole, contribution, beneficence, benefaction

   Antonyms:

   malevolence

6. leniency in judging others; forbearance.

   She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.

7. Christian love; agape.

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Charity ² American  

[char-i-tee] / ˈtʃær ɪ ti /

noun

1. a female given name.

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charity British  

/ ˈtʃærɪtɪ /

noun

1. 1. the giving of help, money, food, etc, to those in need

   2. ( as modifier )

      a charity show

2. 1. an institution or organization set up to provide help, money, etc, to those in need

   2. ( as modifier )

      charity funds

3. the help, money, etc, given to the needy; alms

4. a kindly and lenient attitude towards people

5. love of one's fellow men

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Other Word Forms

• charityless adjective
• overcharity noun
• procharity adjective

Etymology

Origin of charity

First recorded in 1125–75; Middle English charite, from Old French charite, cherite, from Latin cāritāt- (stem of cāritās “high price, costliness, dearness, affection, esteem”), equivalent to cār(us) “costly, dear” + -itāt- noun suffix; cherish, Kama, caress; -ity

Example Sentences

K9 Search & Rescue NI secretary Paul Donley said Gray, who is the charity's founder, had suffered serious facial injuries, while Max will have to be taken to a vet.

From BBC

Recent research by an independent charity points to the potential pressures on schools in England as they prepare for the changes ahead.

From BBC

The innovation charity Nesta estimates that the average home with a heat pump and solar panels could cut its annual energy bill by nearly £1,000.

From BBC

Bugs Matter, organised by charities Kent Wildlife Trust and Buglife, is a survey which is due to start on Wednesday and finish on 30 September.

From BBC

The Paisley Arts Festival was organised by arts and cultural charity OneRen with support from Creative Scotland.

From BBC

Related Words

• donation
• endowment
• fund
• philanthropy