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

Kick It Out, a British-based charity aiming to combat racism in football, issued a statement late Sunday condemning an "appalling weekend" of abuse.

From Barron's

A spokesperson for the charity Tourettes Action said it "deeply" understood the offence and harm caused by racial slurs.

From Barron's

Daniel says referrals to the charity have risen sharply.

From BBC

Disability charities and campaign groups said that would raise concerns among parents, worried that support could be withdrawn at a time when "stability is critical".

From BBC

The events were organised by Compassionate Gateshead in partnership with community charity Edberts House and the palliative care team at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

From BBC

Related Words

• donation
• endowment
• fund
• philanthropy