charitable
AdjectiveUS[char-uh-tuh-buhl]/ˈtʃærətəbəl/4 syllablesalso [cher-uh-tuh-buhl] /ˈtʃɛrətəbəl/
Open English WordNet
Adjective (3)
- relating to or characterized by charity“a charitable foundation”Relating to charity
- full of love and generosity“charitable to the poor”“a charitable trust”Opposite uncharitableSimilar beneficent, benevolentSee also generous, tolerant
- showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity“was charitable in his opinions of others”“kindly criticism”“a kindly act”“sympathetic words”“a large-hearted mentor”Synonyms: benevolentkindlysympatheticgood-heartedopenheartedlarge-heartedOpposite unkindSimilar kind
Word of the day · Nov 1About this word
benevolentadjective
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Char′i·ta·ble adjective
Origin: F. See Charity.
1. Full of love and good will; benevolent; kind.
Be thy intents wicked or charitable,...... I will speak to thee.— William Shakespeare
2. Liberal in judging of others; disposed to look on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment.
3. Liberal in benefactions to the poor; giving freely; generous; beneficent.
What charitable men afford to beggars.— William Shakespeare
4. Of or pertaining to charity; springing from, or intended for, charity; relating to almsgiving; eleemosynary; as, a charitable institution.
5. Dictated by kindness; favorable; lenient.
By a charitable construction it may be a sermon.— Lancelot Andrews
Synonyms: Kind; beneficent; benevolent; generous; lenient; forgiving; helpful; liberal; favorable; indulgent.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54