donation

American  

[doh-ney-shuhn] / doʊˈneɪ ʃən /

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 British  

/ dəʊˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of giving, esp to a charity

2. a contribution

---

Synonym Usage

See present ².

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• predonation
  noun
• self-donation
  noun
• superdonation
  noun

Etymology

Origin of donation

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

Explanation

A donation is a gift someone gives to a cause they believe in. If you have ever put a dollar into a collection plate or hat, you have made a donation. No one has to give a donation; donations are voluntary. In addition to disease research, many schools, arts groups, museums, churches, and groups that help the poor rely on donations. Donations usually take the form of money, but giving anything away to a cause could be considered a donation — like giving books to a library or bringing deviled eggs to a school potluck.

Related Words

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