adj.
Pronunciation: ' cher- ə -t ə -b ə l, ' cha-r ə -
Function: adjective
Date: 14th century
1 : full of love for and goodwill toward others : BENEVOLENT
2 a : liberal in benefactions to the needy : GENEROUS b : of or relating to charity < charitable institutions>
3 : merciful or kind in judging others : LENIENT
– char · i · ta · ble · ness noun
– char · i · ta · bly \ -bl ē \ adverb