WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
char•i•ta•ble /ˈtʃærɪtəbəl/USA pronunciation
adj.
char•i•ta•bly, adv.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026-
- generous in gifts to aid the poor, etc.:They were charitable people who always helped others.
- of, concerned with, or organized for charity:a charitable institution.
- kindly or tolerant in judging people:His charitable remarks were welcome after that nasty speech.
char•i•ta•bly, adv.
char•i•ta•ble
(char′i tə bəl),USA pronunciation adj.
char′i•ta•ble•ness, n.
char′i•ta•bly, adv.
- generous in donations or gifts to relieve the needs of indigent, ill, or helpless persons, or of animals:a charitable man giving much money to feed the poor.
- kindly or lenient in judging people, acts, etc.:charitable in his opinions of others.
- pertaining to or concerned with charity:a charitable institution.
- Old French, equivalent. to charit(e) charity + -able -able
- Middle English 1300–50
char′i•ta•bly, adv.
- 1. beneficent, liberal, bountiful, benevolent. See generous. 2. broad-minded, considerate, mild.
- 1. selfish. 2. severe, intolerant.
'charitably' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):