charitable
adj.-
1 helping people in need (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediaterelating to organisations that help people who are poor, sick, or in need.
relating to the assistance of those in need or the formal status of a non-profit organisation.
ExampleThe school held a bake sale to raise money for a charitable cause.
ExampleThe foundation maintains its charitable status by proving that its primary activities provide a clear benefit to the public rather than private shareholders.
UsageOften used before a noun to describe organisations, donations, or work.
- philanthropic
- non profit
- humanitarian
- profit making
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2 kind and forgiving (adj.) C1 Advanced Formalbeing kind and generous when you judge other people's actions or words.
characterised by kindness or leniency in judging others; disposed to think well of people.
ExampleHe gave a charitable interpretation of her mistake, saying she was just tired.
ExampleEven a charitable reading of the report suggests that the management team was significantly underprepared for the crisis.
Teacher's tipIn modern English, this sense is often used when someone is trying to be 'nice' about a bad situation or a poor performance.
From Old French charitable.