Meaning of charity

What is the meaning of charity? Taken from Merriam Webster Dictionary

 

Definition of CHARITY

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

Examples of CHARITY

1. The holidays are a time for charity and good will.
2. She refused to accept charity.
3. The dinner was held to raise funds for several charities.
4. She runs a local charity that gives books to children.
5. All the money will go to charity.

Origin of CHARITY

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to CHARITY

Synonyms: almsgiving, dole, philanthropy

Antonyms: coldheartedness, hard-heartedness, inhumanity, inhumanness, mercilessness, pitilessness