Charitable
/ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/noun
Willing to give help, money, or kindness to others, especially those in need.
Did you know?Charitable comes through Old French from Latin *caritabilis*, built on *caritas*—the same root behind *charity* and ultimately the idea of precious, beloved worth, not just generosity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to desire, love”
Latin
Latin
carus
“dear, beloved, valued”
Latin
Latin
caritas
“dearness, high regard, charity”
Old French
Old French
charitable
“charitable, benevolent”
Middle English
English
charitabel
“showing charity or benevolence”
Modern English
English
charitable
“willing to help others; benevolent”