Entry Word: charity

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the giving of necessities and especially money to the needy <after amassing a fortune in the computer industry, they devoted themselves to charity>

Synonyms almsgiving, philanthropy

Related Words altruism, humanitarianism; beneficence, benevolence, goodwill; alms, benefaction, contribution, donation; dole, relief, welfare; endowment, fund, grant, subsidy

2 a gift of money or its equivalent to a charity, humanitarian cause, or public institution <gave his mansion and all of its land as a charity to the people of his beloved home state> — see contribution
3 kind, gentle, or compassionate treatment especially towards someone who is undeserving of it <canʼt you show a little charity to a guy whoʼs the first to admit heʼs not perfect?> — see mercy 1
4 the capacity for feeling for anotherʼs unhappiness or misfortune <his charity is such that heʼs a sucker for every panhandlerʼs tale of woe> — see heart 1