charity
CHA-rih-tee
Charity (noun) means an organization set up to help people in need or support a cause, rather than to make a profit. Example: “She volunteers every weekend for a charity that feeds homeless families.”
noun
1
An organization set up to help people in need or support a cause, rather than to make a profit.
"She volunteers every weekend for a charity that feeds homeless families."
"The concert raised over ten thousand pounds for local charities."
"Our school chose a children's charity to support with its sponsored walk."
2
Money, food, or other help given to people who need it.
"The family survived the winter on charity from their neighbours."
"He refused to accept charity and insisted on paying his own way."
"The old man lived on charity after his savings ran out."
3
A kind, generous, and forgiving attitude toward other people.
"Even after the argument, she judged him with charity rather than anger."
"She forgave his rude remark with her usual charity."
"Let us treat each other's mistakes with a little charity."
How to use charity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGiving help (money, goods, or kindness) to people who need it, or an organisation that does this.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "charity" (an organisation or the act of giving) with "charitable" (the adjective describing kind or generous behaviour).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a registered charity
donate to charity
an act of charity
charity work
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Word forms
- Plural
- charities
Fill the gap
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She volunteers every weekend for a _____ that feeds homeless families.
Etymology
From Old French charité, ultimately from Latin caritas, meaning dearness or affection — the same root that gives us "cherish."
Synonyms
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nonprofit
foundation
philanthropy
aid organization
NGO
voluntary organization
good cause
charitable organization
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for charity
See all rhymes for charity →Frequently asked questions
What does “charity” mean?
The word “charity” means an organization set up to help people in need or support a cause, rather than to make a profit. In plain terms, giving help (money, goods, or kindness) to people who need it, or an organisation that does this.
How do you pronounce “charity”?
“Charity” is pronounced CHA-rih-tee (/ˈt͡ʃɛɹəti/ in IPA).
How do you use “charity” in a sentence?
Here is “charity” used in a sentence: “She volunteers every weekend for a charity that feeds homeless families.”
What is another word for “charity”?
Words with a similar meaning to “charity” include charitable organization.
What part of speech is “charity”?
“Charity” is a noun.
Where does the word “charity” come from?
The word “charity” comes from Latin. From Old French charité, ultimately from Latin caritas, meaning dearness or affection — the same root that gives us "cherish.".
Is “charity” a common word?
“Charity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “charity” have?
“Charity” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an organization set up to help people in need or support a cause, rather than to make a profit.
What is the difference between a charity and a nonprofit?
All charities are nonprofits, but not all nonprofits are charities. A nonprofit is any organization that doesn't distribute profit to owners, including clubs and trade groups. A charity is a specific kind of nonprofit dedicated to public benefit, such as relieving poverty or advancing education, and it often enjoys special tax status.
Can a charity make a profit?
Yes, a charity can take in more money than it spends, but there is a key rule: any surplus must be reinvested into its cause, not paid out to owners or shareholders. Charities need healthy finances to survive and grow. The difference from a business is where the money goes, not whether it's earned.
What are the different types of charities?
Charities work across many fields. Some tackle poverty and hunger, others fund medical research or run hospitals, and many focus on education, animal welfare, the environment, or the arts. There are also religious charities and disaster-relief organizations. What unites them is a mission to serve the public good rather than to enrich owners.
How do charities raise money?
Charities fund their work in several ways: donations from the public, grants from governments or foundations, fundraising events, membership fees, and sometimes trading activities like charity shops. Larger charities may also earn income from investments. Most rely on a mix of sources so they aren't dependent on any single stream.
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