charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl 

ˈcha-rə-

1

: full of love for and goodwill toward others : benevolent

2

a

: liberal in benefactions to the needy : generous

b

: of or relating to charity

charitable institutions

3

: merciful or kind in judging others : lenient

charitableness noun

charitably

ˈcher-ə-tə-blē 

ˈcha-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• altruistic
• beneficent
• benevolent
• do-good
• eleemosynary
• good
• humanitarian
• philanthropic
• philanthropical

Examples of charitable in a Sentence

She makes a charitable donation every year.

He performs charitable work to help the poor.

They give money to charitable causes.

She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems.

Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.

Recent Examples on the Web

Finally, for your charitable regift to be effective, some special language in the paperwork is required. —Robert W. Wood, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

After a brief intermission—where Kimmel and special guests RZA, Billie Eilish, and Finneas highlighted the charitable work of Homeboy Industries and Support And Feed—Metallica superfan Jason Momoa brought the band back out with a heartfelt, personal introduction. —Brendan Hay, SPIN, 16 Dec. 2024

Along with her entrepreneurial and charitable work, Crawford continues to front various modeling campaigns, adding to her growing legacy. —Julia Teti, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024

Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing charitable

• charitable gift

Kids Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl 

1

: freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : generous

2

: given for the needy : of service to the needy

charitable funds

a charitable institution

3

: kindly in judging other people

charitableness noun

charitably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble

: of or relating to charity

charitable contributions