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charity

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The definition of charity is an act or feeling of kindness or goodwill or a voluntary gift of money or time to those in need.

(noun)

An example of charity is a donation of ten dollars a month to a local food bank.

See charity in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. charities

Christian Theol. the love of God for humanity, or a love of one's fellow human beings
an act of goodwill or affection
the feeling of goodwill; benevolence
kindness or leniency in judging others
1. a voluntary giving of money or other help to those in need
2. money or help so given
3. an institution or other recipient of such help
a welfare institution, organization, or fund

Origin: ME & OFr charite < L caritas, costliness, esteem, affection (in Vulg., often used as transl. of LGr(Ec) agapē, agape) < carus, dear, valued < IE *karo- < base *ka-, to like, desire > whore

noun

a feminine name

Origin: see charity

See charity in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. char·i·ties

Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.
Something given to help the needy; alms.
An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.
Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.
Indulgence or forbearance in judging others. See Synonyms at mercy.
often Charity Christianity The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English charite

Origin: , from Old French, Christian love

Origin: , from Latin cāritās, affection

Origin: , from cārus, dear; see kā- in Indo-European roots

See charity in Ologies

Charity