charity
1 Americannoun
plural
charities-
generous actions or donations to aid people who are poor, ill, or needy.
to devote one's life to charity.
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something given to a person or persons in need; alms.
She asked for work, not charity.
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a charitable act or work.
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a charitable fund, foundation, or institution.
He left his estate to a charity.
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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
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leniency in judging others; forbearance.
She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.
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Christian love; agape.
noun
noun
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the giving of help, money, food, etc, to those in need
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( as modifier )
a charity show
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an institution or organization set up to provide help, money, etc, to those in need
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( as modifier )
charity funds
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the help, money, etc, given to the needy; alms
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a kindly and lenient attitude towards people
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love of one's fellow men
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Both the broadcaster and the arts charity released official apologies, and the BBC promised to investigate the matter.
From Salon
According to the charity, plant owners may notice improved attention spans and mood, along with reduced stress levels and blood pressure.
From BBC
Two books have been returned to a library almost 50 years past their due date after being spotted in a charity shop 60 miles away.
From BBC
But she was encouraged to try when the Labour First Minister Eluned Morgan visited her charity.
From BBC
Hodgson said: "It's not just the wildlife charities to solve this, it's on every person to solve it by treading more lightly."
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
