charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈcher-ə-tē 

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.

Synonyms

• almsgiving
• dole
• philanthropy

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

Some industries did better—charity and nonprofit groups got an RX score of 42, and beauty products scored 37—but sports advertising scored an average of 28, and automotive, gaming and home and garden all scored 32. —Megan Poinski, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024

While some advocates claim there are health benefits to the cold plunge, most take part purely for the camaraderie, and several localities also use the event to raise money for charity. —Chad De Guzman, TIME, 18 Dec. 2024

In October, Trump and Adams attended a charity event in Manhattan where Trump expressed empathy for the mayor's situation. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

Slice, who donates monthly to various charities and funds local development initiatives, is rewriting the future of American small businesses through leading digital transformations. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing charity

• charity shop

Kids Definition

charity

noun

char·​i·​ty ˈchar-ət-ē 

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.