CHARITY


Meaning of CHARITY in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈcher-ə-tē, ˈcha-rə- ]

noun

( plural -ties )

Etymology: Middle English charite, from Anglo-French charité, from Late Latin caritat-, caritas Christian love, from Latin, dearness, from carus dear; akin to Old Irish carae friend, Sanskrit kāma love

Date: 13th century

1. : benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

2.

a. : generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering ; also : aid given to those in need

b. : an institution engaged in relief of the poor

c. : public provision for the relief of the needy

3.

a. : a gift for public benevolent purposes

b. : an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift

4. : lenient judgment of others

Synonyms: see mercy

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.