ENGLISH
REFERENCE

donation

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //doʊˈneɪʃən// UK //dəʊnˈeɪʃən// do·na·tion General-service

n. something you give to help a person or an organization, like money, clothes, or food. It is a gift that you do not expect to get back.

n. a gift of money, goods, or services to a charitable cause or institution. Often implies a voluntary contribution made without receiving anything of equal value in return.


SIMPLE

The charity received a large donation from a local business.

CONTEXTUAL

After the flood, many people dropped off a donation of warm blankets and canned food at the community center.

COMPLEX

While individual contributions are vital, the museum relies heavily on an annual corporate donation to maintain its free admission policy for students and local residents.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English donacion, donation, from Middle French donation, from Latin dōnātiō (“a present”), from dōnō (“to give”), from dōnum (“a gift”). Recorded in English since the 15th century. Equivalent to donate + -ion.

Usage

Commonly takes the preposition 'to' for the recipient and 'of' for the item given.

Pitfall

make a donation for the charitymake a donation to the charityThe preposition 'to' is used to indicate the recipient of the donation.

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