charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈcher-ə-tē How to pronounce charity (audio)
ˈcha-rə-
plural charities
1
a
: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering
also : aid given to those in need
received charity from the neighbors
b
: an institution engaged in relief of the poor
raised funds for several charities
c
: public provision for the relief of the needy
too proud to accept charity
2
: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
The holidays are a time for charity and goodwill.
3
a
: a gift for public benevolent purposes
b
: an institution (such as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4
: lenient judgment of others
The critic was liked for his charity and moderation.
Choose the Right Synonym for charity

mercy, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion.

mercy implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it.

threw himself on the mercy of the court

charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others.

show a little charity for the less fortunate

clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing.

the judge refused to show clemency

grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions.

by the grace of God

leniency implies lack of severity in punishing.

criticized the courts for excessive leniency

Examples of charity in a Sentence

The holidays are a time for charity and good will. She refused to accept charity. The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities. She runs a local charity that gives books to children. All the money will go to charity.
Recent Examples on the Web The charity seeks to improve the lives of babies and young children. Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2024 At present, resources and funding to support the charities are down, just as more young carers are being identified and those charities are under pressure to do more, says Mr. McGowan of Carers Trust. Lenora Chu, The Christian Science Monitor, 20 Mar. 2024 World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef Jose Andres, said poor conditions are holding up the departure of the vessel at the Cyprus port of Larnaca. John Bacon, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024 The food was sent by World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by celebrity chef José Andrés, which operates kitchens providing free meals in Gaza. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 16 Mar. 2024 The charity would grow from there, responding to a need for food after hurricanes in Houston and Puerto Rico, and wildfires in the western United States and in Australia. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 The Art of Elysium’s Art Salon Series The Art of Elysium charity hosted an evening for their Art Salon Series on Thursday, with Lucy Walsh celebrating the release of her book Remember Me As Human with support from Tallulah Willis and Scout LaRue Willis. Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Mar. 2024 Who is involved, and who isn’t? WCK, the non-profit, is working with the UAE, Cyprus and the Spanish charity Open Arms to coordinate the dispatch of aid, and its teams on the ground will distribute the aid. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 15 Mar. 2024 Traina consistently donates to mosques during Ramadan in what constitutes sadaqa, a concept in Islam of voluntarily giving charity, a slight variation from the more obligatory zakat. Monica Haider, CNN, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'charity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English charite, from Anglo-French charité, from Late Latin caritat-, caritas Christian love, from Latin, dearness, from carus dear; akin to Old Irish carae friend, Sanskrit kāma love

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of charity was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near charity

Cite this Entry

“Charity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/charity. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

charity

noun
char·​i·​ty ˈchar-ət-ē How to pronounce charity (audio)
plural charities
1
: love for others
2
: kindliness in judging others
3
a
: the giving of aid to the poor and suffering
b
: public aid for the poor
c
: an institution or fund for aiding the needy

Legal Definition

charity

noun
char·​i·​ty
plural charities
: a gift for humanitarian, philanthropic, or other purposes beneficial to the public (as maintaining a public building)
also : an institution (as a hospital or school) or organization founded by such a gift compare private foundation

Note: Statutory definitions of what institutions and organizations qualify as charities vary. Organizations that are primarily involved in political campaigns or lobbying do not qualify as charities for tax purposes, but trusts for them may be considered charitable. In addition to tax-exempt status, charities have also generally been granted immunity from tort suits.

More from Merriam-Webster on charity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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