Donate: Definition, Usage & Example Sentences

Meaning 1：give voluntarily (donate)

donate 🔊

/ˈdəʊneɪt/

vt.

To give something, like money or things you own, to help people or support a good cause, without expecting anything back.

Illustration of the word donate: a hand donating money to a charity box

give voluntarily 🔊

➕

/ɡɪv ˌvɒlənˈteərɪli/

vt.

To give something, typically money, goods, or time, to a person, organization, or cause in order to help them, with no expectation of personal gain or repayment.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'donare' meaning 'to give as a gift', derived from 'donum' (gift).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: DO + NATE. Imagine doing a good deed by giving a gift to your friend Nate.

📖 Example

Every year, our company encourages employees to donate their gently used winter coats to families in need. 🔊 Our company motivates its workers each year to voluntarily give their well-maintained winter coats to households that require assistance.

🔗 Collocations

donate blood – to voluntarily give blood for medical use

donate to charity – to give money or goods to a charitable organization

donate money – to give funds for a specific purpose

🔄 Synonyms

contribute (v.) – to give something, especially money or effort, in order to help achieve or provide something.

give (v.) – to freely transfer the possession of something to someone.

grant (v.) – to agree to give or allow something requested.

🚫 Antonyms

receive (v.) – to be given, presented with, or paid something.

take (v.) – to lay hold of or accept something offered.

🌱 Derivatives

donation (n.) – something that is given to a charity, especially a sum of money.

donor (n.) – a person who donates something, especially money to a fund or charity.

donative (adj./n.) – of the nature of a donation; a gift or donation.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'donate' entered English in the 19th century from Latin 'donare', meaning to give something without expecting payment. It embodies the modern concept of philanthropy, where individuals contribute money, goods, or time to support charitable causes, non-profits, and community welfare.