charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈcher-ə-tə-bəl 

ˈcha-rə-

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

charitableness noun

charitably

ˈcher-ə-tə-blē 

ˈcha-rə-

adverb

Synonyms

• altruistic
• beneficent
• benevolent
• do-good
• eleemosynary
• good
• humanitarian
• philanthropic
• philanthropical

Examples of charitable in a Sentence

She makes a charitable donation every year.

He performs charitable work to help the poor.

They give money to charitable causes.

She has tried to be charitable about her sister's problems.

Half of the class has a chance at passing the test, and that is a charitable estimate.

Recent Examples on the Web

The property also supports the community through workplace health clinics, internships, work experience programs, and charitable programs. —Julia Eskins, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2024

The institute has researched giving to women and girls since 2019 and found that while the overall amount has increased over the years, it’s never exceeded 2% of overall charitable dollars. —Thalia Beaty, Fortune, 30 May 2024

What charitable organizations are in your area that service the causes that matter to you? —Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 29 May 2024

And some such as Kim Maynard-Winder, a 56-year-old native of Northwest Baltimore who graduated from Poly and from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, hope their charitable work sends a message to younger generations. —Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing charitable

• charitable gift

Kids Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble ˈchar-ət-ə-bəl 

1

: freely giving money or help to poor and needy persons : generous

2

: given for the needy : of service to the needy

charitable funds

a charitable institution

3

: kindly in judging other people

charitableness noun

charitably

-blē 

adverb

Legal Definition

charitable

adjective

char·​i·​ta·​ble

: of or relating to charity

charitable contributions