donation

[doh-ney-shuhn]

noun

1. an act or instance of presenting something as a gift, grant, or contribution.

2. a gift, as to a fund; contribution.

   Synonyms: gratuity, benefaction, offering

donation

/ dəʊˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of giving, esp to a charity

2. a contribution

Other Word Forms

• predonation noun
• self-donation noun
• superdonation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of donation¹

1375–1425, for an earlier sense; late Middle English < Latin dōnātiōn- (stem of dōnātiō ), equivalent to dōnāt ( us ), past participle of dōnāre to give ( dōn-, stem of dōnum gift, + -ātus -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of donation¹

C15: from Latin dōnātiō a presenting, from dōnāre to give, from dōnum gift

Synonym Study

See present ².

Example Sentences

Kennedy has previously criticized some medical societies for receiving donations from pharmaceutical companies.

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They lauded the orphanage’s “amazing team on the ground” and asked for donations to finance its continuation.

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The Chinese national, who was prominent in the real-estate industry, was unable to make a donation because of campaign finance laws that prohibit contributions from foreign nationals.

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He said he dipped into personal savings to pay for employees’ salaries in Uganda and donations to orphanages.

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Webb has said that any donations were Cecala’s own personal matter, and the exchange had no knowledge of them.

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Related Words

• aid 
• allowance 
• appropriation 
• assistance 
• bequest 
• charity 
• contribution 
• endowment 
• grant 
• handout 
• help 
• relief 
• subscription 
• subsidy