adjective
charitable
CHAIR-uh-tuh-bul/ˈtʃærətəbl/
Showing generosity and concern for others.
The charitable volunteer gives a spare coat to someone in need.
Etymology
The base meaning esteem or affection came to express Christian love. Being characterized by that love then acquired the more specific sense of generosity toward people in need.
In context
an organization formed for charitable and educational purposes offers free evening school for instruction in industrial training and gives free lectures
More examples
- They made a charitable donation.
- She offers a charitable interpretation of his mistake.
- The group supports charitable work in the neighborhood.
Forms
charitable
charity noun — help for people in need or generous judgment
Similar words
- benevolent
- Describes goodwill more broadly.
- philanthropic
- Often concerns organized giving for public benefit.