Reading Theme:
Charity: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：nonprofit aid organization (charity)
charity
/ˈtʃærəti/
n.
An organization that helps people in need by raising money and giving out help, without trying to make a profit for itself.
nonprofit aid organization
➕
/ˌnɒnˈprɒfɪt eɪd ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃən/
n.
A formally established organization that operates to provide assistance to those in need, typically funded by donations and not seeking financial profit.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'caritas' meaning dearness, love, high price, via Old French 'charité'.
💡 Mnemonic
Share a bit of your heart and time - it's charity!
📖 Example
My family donates clothes and toys to a local charity that supports children in hospitals every winter.
My family donates clothes and toys to a local nonprofit aid organization that supports children in hospitals every winter.
🔗 Collocations
local charity – A charitable organization operating in a specific community or area.
charity event – A function organized to raise funds for a charitable cause.
charity shop – A store selling donated goods to raise money for a charitable organization.
🔄 Synonyms
nonprofit (n.) – An organization not operated for profit, often used interchangeably with charity in some contexts.
foundation (n.) – An endowed institution that gives money for charitable, educational, or research purposes.
NGO (n.) – Non-governmental organization, often involved in humanitarian, social, or environmental work.
🚫 Antonyms
business (n.) – A commercial enterprise operating primarily to generate profit.
corporation (n.) – A large company or group of companies authorized to act as a single entity and focused on profit.
🌱 Derivatives
charitable (adj.) – Relating to or characterized by charity; generous and benevolent.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'caritas' (affection, love), entering English via Old French. In Christian tradition, 'caritas' referred to God's love or love for others, distinct from romantic love ('amor'). This evolved into the modern sense of benevolent giving and organizations dedicated to it.
Meaning 2：act of generous giving (charity)
charity
/ˈtʃærəti/
n.
The act of giving help, like money or time, to people who need it, usually without expecting anything in return. It's about being kind and generous.
act of generous giving
➕
/ækt əv ˈdʒenərəs ˈɡɪvɪŋ/
n.
The voluntary action of providing help, typically in the form of money, goods, or time, to those in need, motivated by kindness and without expectation of return.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He showed great charity by offering to tutor his younger neighbor for free every weekend.
He demonstrated a significant act of generous giving by offering to tutor his younger neighbor for free every weekend.
🔗 Collocations
show charity – To demonstrate kindness and generosity through one's actions.
out of charity – Motivated by a desire to help others without personal gain.
charity begins at home – A proverb meaning one's first responsibility is to care for one's own family and neighbors.
🔄 Synonyms
benevolence (n.) – The quality of being well-meaning; kindness, especially in a disposition to do good.
generosity (n.) – The quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish; willingness to give money, help, etc.
philanthropy (n.) – The desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.
🚫 Antonyms
selfishness (n.) – The quality of being concerned chiefly with one's own personal profit or pleasure.
stinginess (n.) – Extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources; meanness.
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