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

“There’s always a risk when making sizable donations, that you’re putting yourself out there,” Kaufman said.

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This enabled him to buy land in his own name, but required a minimum investment or donation to the government of $250,000.

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“I remember sending my liberal Democrat candidates to meet with them, and they would get donations,” Stevens said.

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Siobhan Boyle, director at PCA said: "Every penny and every donation we receive goes straight back into making sure our most vulnerable neighbours are fed and connected."

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The White House has insisted there is nothing inappropriate in soliciting donations and that the ballroom will be used by future administrations.

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Related Words

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