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Charity

CHAR-uh-tee /ˈtʃærɪti/

nounB1TOEFLIELTS

general

An organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need; also, the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.

Charity often focuses on immediate relief, alleviating suffering, and providing direct aid. It can refer to the act of giving or the organization itself. It's typically more reactive to existing problems.

The story behind the word. The word 'charity' comes from the Old French 'charité,' which in turn derived from the Latin 'caritas.' In Latin, 'caritas' originally meant 'costliness, dearness,' but in Christian Latin, it evolved to mean 'Christian love of humankind,' especially as manifested in good deeds. This religious sense of selfless love and benevolence is what primarily passed into English.

Word relationships

Benevolence: General kindness or goodwill, less specific to organized giving.
Donation: Refers specifically to the item or money given, not the act or organization.

Greed: Intense selfish desire for something.
Selfishness: Concern only for oneself.

Commonly confused with

Philanthropy: Charity is often immediate and addresses symptoms; philanthropy is typically strategic and addresses root causes.

Word family

charitable (adjective): Relating to or providing charity; generous in giving.

Collocations

registered charity
do charity work
give to charity
charity event
charity organization

Idioms & expressions

charity begins at home

Example sentences

"The local food bank operates as a vital charity, providing meals to hundreds of families every week." Describing a local food bank.
"Many people believe that charity begins at home, but extends to the wider community." Discussing the importance of giving.

Memory hook

Think of 'CARE-ity' – caring for those in need. Caring for others

When not to use

While related, 'charity' isn't always the best word for large-scale, strategic investments aimed at systemic change, where 'philanthropy' might be more precise.

Fun facts

In older English, 'charity' could also refer to the theological virtue of love, often associated with divine love or universal goodwill.
Many modern charities trace their roots back to religious organizations or community groups formed to help the poor and sick.

Related words

Philanthropy, Donation, Volunteer

Explore more words

charitable, philanthropic, pauper, philanthropist, volunteerism, compassion