almsgiver: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2/archaic)Formal, religious, historical, literary.
Quick answer
What does “almsgiver” mean?
A person who gives money, food, or other charitable aid, especially to the poor.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who gives money, food, or other charitable aid, especially to the poor.
A person or organization noted for regular charitable giving; more broadly, one who performs acts of kindness or support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. It is equally archaic/formal in both variants.
Connotations
Slightly stronger historical/religious connotations in British English due to established church history.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in historical/religious texts than in modern speech.
Grammar
How to Use “almsgiver” in a Sentence
almsgiver (to the poor/needy)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or sociological texts discussing charity.
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Donor' or 'someone who gives to charity' is used instead.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “almsgiver”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “almsgiver”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “almsgiver”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He almsgives' is incorrect).
- Pronouncing the 'l' strongly in American English (it's often silent: /ˈɑːmz/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered archaic or highly formal. Words like 'donor', 'benefactor', or 'philanthropist' are used in modern English.
Typically it refers to a person, but it can be extended metaphorically to an organization known for charitable giving.
An almsgiver suggests small-scale, often personal, charitable giving (like alms), often motivated by religion. A philanthropist implies large-scale, organized charitable giving, often through foundations.
It is pronounced /ɑːmz/ (ahmz), with a silent 'l' in common speech, both in British and American English.
A person who gives money, food, or other charitable aid, especially to the poor.
Almsgiver is usually formal, religious, historical, literary. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ALMS (old word for charity) + GIVER. An 'alms-giver' is a charity-giver.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIVING IS A MORAL/PIOUS DUTY; THE GIVER IS A SOURCE OF SUSTENANCE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest modern synonym for 'almsgiver' in a non-religious context?