noun
charity
CHA-rih-tee
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."
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."
3
A kind, generous, and forgiving attitude toward other people.
"Even after the argument, she judged him with charity rather than anger."
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).
Common pairings
a registered charity
donate to charity
an act of charity
charity work
Word Forms
charities plural
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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."