Charity is help for those in need, or an organisation that provides it. Clarity is the quality of being clear. Donate to charity; for the sake of clarity. One letter — an h against an l — and two different virtues.
The core difference
- charity — giving to those in need; an organisation set up for that; kindness in judging others. A registered charity, charity shop, charity begins at home.
- clarity — clearness of thought, expression, sound or sight. Speak with clarity, for clarity, the clarity of the water.
The tell
Clarity has the cl of clear. Charity has the ch of cherish, which is its cousin. If you could swap in clearness, it is clarity; if you could swap in giving or a good cause, it is charity.
In use
- charity — The run raised £40,000 for charity. She judged him with more charity than he deserved.
- clarity — The new map brought some clarity to the route. I want to say this with absolute clarity.
Common slips
- for the sake of charity (meaning clearness) → for the sake of clarity
- he donated to clarity → he donated to charity
Clarity is clear; charity cherishes.
Where the words come from
Charity is from Latin caritas, "dearness, high regard, love", from carus "dear" — the word the Latin Bible used for Christian love, which is why older translations say "faith, hope and charity". Clarity is from Latin claritas, "clearness, brightness", from clarus "clear, bright".
Frequently asked questions
What did charity originally mean?
Love — Latin caritas. "Faith, hope and charity" in older Bibles is faith, hope and love. The giving sense grew from it.
What does "charity begins at home" mean?
That one's first duty is to family and neighbours — often used to excuse not giving further afield.
What is the adjective from clarity?
Clear. From charity: charitable.