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 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 Muslims observe Ramadan by increasing our worship, which includes prayers, giving to charity, and fasting from food and drink from sunrise to sundown. Azmia Ricchuito, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024 All proceeds from the sale will go to the Bright Foundation, an arts education charity founded by the renowned costume designer John Bright. Catherine Duncan, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 Ramadan is also seen as a month of giving: Muslims around the world are encouraged to donate to charity and think of others’ plights. Sarah Dadouch, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Since 2004, the event has raised over $3.6 million for charities including Playing for Change Foundation, Sophie’s Voice Foundation, Cancer for College, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Yetunde Price Resource Center. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 Kate Middleton’s uncle's appearance in the latest season of Celebrity Big Brother U.K. has drawn criticism from a domestic abuse charity due to his arrest record. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 No tickets were needed, but a six-euro donation was encouraged, with all the proceeds going to charity. Lauren Breedlove, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2024 The findings come from the LGBTQ Musicians Insight Report, based on the Musicians’ Census 2023 by The Musicians Union and a coalition of charities. Jamie Wareham, Forbes, 28 Feb. 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 19 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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