gift

n.

1. Something given

   present, donation, presentation, gratuity, benefaction, largesse, grant, tip, boon, alms, endowment, bequest, bounty, charity, provision, favor, lagniappe, legacy, bestowal, award, reward, dispensation, philanthropy, offering, souvenir, keepsake, premium, token, pittance, remembrance, courtesy, bonus, subsidy, tribute, honorarium, subvention, contribution, subscription, donative, dole, relief, ration, benefit, offertory, Peter's pence, Trinkgeld (German), pourboire (French), baksheesh, allowance, handsel, remittance, giveaway, handout*, hand-me-down*, freebie*. *

2. An aptitude

   faculty, capacity, capability; see ability 1, 2.

gift and present both refer to something given as an expression of friendship, affection, esteem, etc., but gift, in current use, more often suggests formal bestowal Christmas presents, the painting was a gift to the museum; donation applies to a gift of money, etc. for a philanthropic, charitable, or religious purpose, esp. as solicited in a public drive for funds a donation to the orchestra fund; gratuity applies to a gift of money for services rendered, such as a tip to a waiter

look a gift horse in the mouth*